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. v 




















MEMOIRS OF THE WA?. 




THE SOXTTIIERrsr DEF ARTZ^ESTT 



ififi^sB §i^^i*a§^ 



BY HENRY LEE, 

LIEUTENANT COLONEL COMMANDANT OF THE PARTISAN LEGION 
DURING THE AMERICAN WAR. 



-Qiiaeque ipse miserrima vidi 



Et quoruni pars fui. 



Virgil. 



A SEW EDITION, WITH CORRKCTIONS LEFT BY THE AnTHOE, AND WITH NOTES 
AND ADDITIONS BY H. I.EK, THE AUTHOR OF THE CAMPAIGN OF '21. 



WASHINGTON. 

tRlNTED BY PETER FORCE, NORTH C STREET, NEAR PENV. AVENHE 

1827. 



Ez^ 



d 



5 






DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA, to wii; : 

Be it remembereu, that on the iwenty-sixtU day of Febiuaiy, in the year- 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, and ot Iho Iiidepeuden.'e 
of the United States of AmencH the fifty-ftrst, Peter Force, of the said Uinriit, 
has depoaitoil in ifie Oltice of the Clerk of the District Court lor the l^istrict of 
Columbia, the title of a Book, the right whereof lie claims as Proprietor, in the 
words lollowing, lo wit: 

" Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States. By 
Henry Lee, lieutenant colonel commandant of the Partisan Legioii during 
the Amtrican loar. 

■ " Q,uwque ipse mtserrima vidi 

" Kt quorum parsfiii. Virgil. 

A new editicn, with corrections left by the author, and with notes and additions 
by H Lee, the author of the campaign of '81." 

In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled '• An 
Act for the eirrouragentent of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, 
and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such copies, during the times 
therein mentioned," — .md also to the Act, entitled " An Act supplementary to 
aii Act, entitled 'An Act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the 
Copies of vlaps, Charts, and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such 
copies during the limes therein mentioned,' and extending the benefits thereof 
to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching, historical and other prints." 

f 1 Iw TESTiMONT WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed 
\J'» ••] ^Yie public seal of my office, the day and year aforesaid. 

EDMri. LEE, 

Clerk of the District Court for the District of Columbia. 

By tii«i^»>'-t:; 
5 JeliJO? 



JiD VER riSEMEJVT. 



A second edition of Lee's Memoirs seemed tober«* 
quired by general demand, and was certainly called for 
by particular request. Colonel Fen wick, of the United 
States' army, having substantiated his solicitude by his 
liberality, and agreed to bear the expense of the edition 
if I would undertake to prepare it, is, in justice, to be 
considered the patron of the work. The venerable Col. 
Howard, glorious for his services in the wars of Greene» 
was not less kind. Fie contributed his corrections, in a 
manner wliicli authorizes me to affirm that the narrative, 
it now stands, bears the seal of his confirmation.— 
(C author, not having been able to superintend the 
_r.!;;inal impression, took occasion to place on the margin 
'>f die copy from which this edition is printed, a numbel* 
v,x MS. corrections, the adoption of which, after collating 
them with his Revolutionary documents, it is believed 
will be found an improvement. The text I have not of 
course ventured to alter, unless corrections in regard to 
such obvious mistakes as to dates, names, and places, 
as cannot affect the identity of the composition, be con- 
sidered alterations. One emendation might appear at 
variance with this remark, if it were left without a 
particular explanation. In looking over the original 
manuscript, my attention was struck by the following 
sentence: "To the hand of one of her sons had been 
eommitted the sword of defence, and from the lips of 
another, in obedience to the commands of his constitu- 
ents, was proposed our independence ;" and I suggested 
the proprietj; of adding, that the pen of a third had 
composed our declaration! of Independence^ The> au- 



4 

thoi" observed that this had occurred to him also, but 
that, as contradictory opinions existed respecting the 
authorship of that g;reat paper, some ascribing it to Mr. 
R. H. Lee, and others to Mr. Jefferson, he thought it 
would be the fairer way to decline any expression on the 
subject. At the time this conversation took place, the 
uncertainty alluded to did prevail in the minds of many 
persons, who inferred from the fact of Mr. Lee's having 
been chairman of the Committee, raised to report on 
his proposition of independence, and i'rom a corrected 
copy of the declaration being found among his papers, 
that he was the author of the instrument itself. This 
being now completely removed, I have made the text 
conform to the araenlment, which was declined ex- 
pressly in consequence of its temporary prevalence; as 
the reader will find at page 119. Such notes as I have 
added, it is hoped will increase the interest of the work, 
and facilitate its accurate comprehension by the military 
student. 

H. LEE. 
Washins[lon, \st December. 1826. 



INDEX. 



A 

Page. 

Ainerlcati forces, estimate cf 11 

Arinsti'oiig, C'di/iiiin John, his caiituie 392 

Aiiiold invades V'iigiiiia 190 

eiilurs Ricliiiiuiid ]92 

takes post at Poic^iiMuuth, Virginia 193 

Augusta, iiivestinent ot, by Pickens and Lee 240 

its suireudcr x!-18 



Barras, Count de, sails for tlie Chesapeake 347 

Blarkbtuck Hill, action at 1J3 

Braiidywine battle of...... 16 

Uiitish and Anieiicau forces, estimate of.. H 

Buford, Lieut. Col. defeat of. 78 

Bunker's [iill, battle of..... .,..« 3:3 

Burguyne, general, invades the U. S ll 

is captured 12 

€5 

Camden, battle of , Qj^ 

Camden, battle near, between Greene and Rawdon 225 

Camden, evacuation of, by lord Rawdon , 229 

Champe, Joiiii, seigeant major, his attempt to seize Arnold 270 to 284 

Chatham, lord, character of 3q 

Charleston, surrender of 73 

finally evacuated by the British , , 421 

Coates, lieut. col. the pursuit of, by Sumpter, Maiion, and Lee. Capture 
of his baggage wagons by Lee. The skirmish at Quinby bridge, fcc. 

• from 265 to 270 

Cowpens, the battle of ]32 

Cornwallis arrives vvith his army at Wilmington igg 

establishes himself at Winiisborough Ill 

removes to Pmtsinouth 3Q6 

concentrates his loices at York and Gloucester , gjo 

sunenders to Washington 37(J 

Cherokees. Their irruption upon the district of IVinety-Six 382 

Clinton, sir Henry, as^sumes the chiel cunnnand of the English army 34 

Creek Indians. Tiieir enterprise and defeat under Gurisler^igo 407 

B 

Davidson, lieut. col. the death of , 137 

Davie, lieut. col. skirniishes: with the Britich.. ..,..,», 10.5 

D'Estaing, admiral, the arrival of gg 

De Giasse, his arrival in the Chesapeake, and battle with the British fleet. 349 

De Kalb, the ileath of 96 

Donope, count, repulsed and kilkd at Redbaiiu 23 



6 INDEX. 

E 

Page. 
Eggleston, major, his loute ind capture of a foraging party, and forty-five 

dragoons 260 

Eutaw Springs, the batile of... 332 

a 

Gnlpin Fort, taken by lieut. col. Lee 2oS 

Gates, genera), succeeds Lincoln in the command of the South 84 

Georgia, inva<lc<l by col. Campbell .... 40 

Greene, Nathaniel, surceeds Gates in command of the South 118 

character of. , 126 

crosses the D:^[i 147 

repasses the Dan • • 156 

his determinatinn to leave Cornwallis, and carry the war into South 

Carolina, and the reasons which led to it 204 to 2l3 

moves his array to tUe high hdls of Santee 341 

breaks up from the high liill.<, and removes to Dorchester, &c 3^9 

Granby, Fort, the capture of, by lieut. col. Lee t 2f]5 

Greenspring, the battle at 304 

Guilford Court House, battle at 171 

Gricrson Fort, taken by Lt. Col. Lee.... 239 



Hampton, his dispersion and capture of some mouiited refugees 265 

Handlton and Lee. escape of. 1$ 

Hayiie, colonel Isa.ic, narrative of the circumstances which led to hi? exe- 
cution, that event, &;c. to the end of the chapter from 316 

Hanging Rock, attack on the British post of 89 

Powe, general Robert, defeated by lieut. col. Campueli 41 

2£ 

King^s Mountain, battle of 10^ 

Laurei.s, lieut. col. John, placed in command of the infantry of tlie light 

tioops, and the dissatisfaction of the paitisan legion 4Il 

his death , 415 

tee captures and releases the wounded of Stewart's army 3*1 

Major General Charles, arrest of. 37 

Leslie, General, invades Virginia, 

Lincoln, Major General, appointed commander in cliief ol ihesouthern army 43 

"Marion and Lee, detached to interrupt Stewart's retreat , • J^f* 

(/larion and Lee, capture Fort Wa.-on iJl9 

Marion, general Francis, character of ..... 86 

his corps surprised and routed, during his absence from it, wtiilo 

attending the legislature at Jacksonborough 397 

Mathews, general, invades Virginia ., 5B 

Monmouth, battle of 36 

Morris, Robert, placed at the head of the Treasury 343 

Morris, major, death of 29 

Motle Fort, the capture of, by Marion and Lee... 'iS'Z 

Mudd Island, defence of 26 

evacuated by the Americans 28 

Mutiny in Greene';, camp 39l> 



INDEX.. 7 

Page. 
Naval eii^a^emeiil between the French and English fleets, off the coast of 

Viiginia 197 

Ninety-Six, invested by general Greene 239 

ullsuc^ei>^fully assaulted t25S 

North, lord, character ol' 39 

Parker, col. Richard, death of 75 

Ph'ii Kfi'lphla occupied by ttie B!:iti^h •• I6 

Pliillips, generHl, arrival of. with troops in Virginia.. 19* 

drives .Steuben out of Petersbnrgh, and devastates that town 199 

is prevented horn crossing from Mancliester to Richnioiit<, by the 

oppoitune arrival of La Fayette 200 

Pickens, general Andrew, character of B7 

Prevobt, gcncial, threatens Charleston 45 

Prevost, lieut. col. defeats {general Ashe 45 

Pyle, dispersion of the tones under hiiii 1^6 

R 

Ruiledgc, John, dictator of South Carolina. 45 

s 

Sanitoga, surrender at ., 12 

S:ivaunah, beseiged by couitt D'Estaing and general Lincoln 55 

siege raised 59 

Stewart, cnloiici, retreats from Eutaw 340 

St. John's I^lcind, unsuccessful attempt upoi 384 

Siono, battle of 50 

Sunipter, chaiacter of , 87 

Sunbury taken by tlie British ., 41 

T 

Tarlelon, lieut. col. surprises general bumpier 99 

defeat and cruelty of him uad tiis dragoons 143 

his skirmish with Lee , 169 

his oxpeditiou to Bedford ., 30S 

V 

Virginia, Coinwallis's invasion of, narrated in Chap. 31 beginning at...... 284 

invasion of by general Matthews •,..., 53 

as&einbly, the magnanimity of.. ,,. \2Z 

w 

Washington, gen. George, attacks the British at Geimantown ,, 21 

his junction with the French army, and thieatens New York. 344 

arrives at VYilliamsbuigh with Kochambeau... 353 

"Wayne captures major Alexander, and eighteen dragoons 406 

Webster, colonel, death of , , 184 

Wetzell's mills, afiair at |g3 

White, col. John, his singular exploit , ,, 61 

Wilmington, projected attack upon ,. 314 

Wolves, their alarm of Lee^s legion 214 

Y 

.Y«rktown, CornisraHis besieged at . , 3SB 



INDEX. 



INDEX TO THE APPENDIX. 

The appendix contains, besides the official documents referred to 
in the main work, short biographical sketches of 

Page. 

Burgoynfi, lieutenant general 4-1 

Davie. WilU'^m Riciiarclsnn 42.5 

De Kalb, major general baron >... 422 

Davidson, lieutenant colonel William „.,.,. 433 

Gates, major general 421 

Greene, lieutenant colonel Christopher 436 

Howard, lieutenant colonel Joha Eager 438 

Lee, major general Ciiarles >,.. 421 

Mar. on, brigatiier general Francis 432 

Morgan, brigadier general Daniel 428 

Pickens, brigadier general Andrew 442 

Thayer, Simeon 427 

Washnigton, lieutenant colonel William 434 

Wayne, brigadier general Anthony 443 

Williams, brigadjei general Otho Holland, 440 

and 
A letter from the Mavquis of Hastings, formerly Lord Rawdon, and thcti 
Earl of Moira, in justification of his conduct in relation to the execu- 
tion of Col. Isaac Hayne » 4o9 



MEMOIRS OF THE WAR 



SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT OF THE UNITED 
STATES. 



CHAPTER I. 



Ti 



HE determination of the mind, to relinquish the soft scenes of 
tranquil life for the rough adventures of war, is generally attend- 
ed with the conviction that the act is laudable ; and with a wish, 
that its honourable exertions should be faithfully transmitted to pos- 
terity. These sentiments lead to the cultivation of virtue ; and 
the effect of the one is magnitied by the accomplishment of the 
other. In usefulness to society, the difference is inconsiderable 
between the conduct of him who performs great achievements, and 
of him who records them ; for short must be the remembrance, 
circumscribed the influence, of patriotic exertions and heroic ex- 
ploits, unless the patient historian retrieve them from oblivion, 
and hold them up conspicuously to future ages. " Saepe audivi, 
Q,. Maximum, P. Scipionem, praiterea civitatis nostrse piaedaros 
viros, solitos ita dicere, ciam majorum imagines intuerentur, vehe- 
mentissime sibi animnm ad virtutem accendi. Scilicet non ceram 
illam, neque tiguram tantam vim in sese habere ; sed memoria reruoi 
gestarum earn flammam egregiis viris in pectore crescere, neque 
prius sedari, quam virtus eorum famam atque gloriam adaequa- 
verit."*— Sail. Bell. Jugur. 

Regretting, as we all do, that not one of the chief actors in ou.r 
camp or cabinet, and indeed very i'ew of our fellow citizens, have 
attempted to unfold the rise, or to illustrate the progress and ter- 
mination of our resolution, I have been led to this my undertHking 
with a hope of contributing, in some degree, to repair the effects 
of this much lamented indifference. With this view, I am about 
to write memoirs of the southern campaigns, being that part of the 

* "Often have I heard," "ihat Quintus Maximus, Publius Scipio, and 
other renowned men of out commonwealth, used to shjt that, whenever they 
beheld the images of their ancestors, they fi-lt their minds vehemently excilecl 
to virtue. It could not be ihe wax or tht inaible that possessed this power; 
but the recollection of their great actions kindled a generous fiame in their 
breasts, (not to be quelled) till they also by virtue had acquired equal fame and 
glory,'' 



10 Memoirs of the War in the 

war with which I am best acquainted, an-d which in its progress and 
issue materially contributed to our final success, and to the enlarge- 
ment of our military tame. Desirous of investing the reader with a 
full and clear understanding of the operations to be described, I shall 
commence these memoiis at the beginning of the third year of the war ; 
for the principal events which occurred thereafter, laid the founda- 
tion ot the change in the enemy's conduct, and turned the tide and 
fury of the conllict from the north to the south. 

When I first engaged in this undertaking, many of my military 
comrades, capable and willing to contribute their aid to the fulfil- 
ment of my design, were living; whose minute knowledge of va- 
rious scenes, all of which they saw, in some of which they led, 
would have rendered it peculiarly interesting and valuable. After 
postponing, as is common to man, what for various reasons ought 
not to have been delnyed, I have experienced in my progress 
abundant cause for self repro.ach ; since in many instances, 1 have 
been deprived of this important assistance, which no eft'ort or ap- 
plication has been able fully to supply. Discouraged by this priva- 
tion, 1 should, tho' reluctaritly, have receded from my purpose, 
had not the injurious con-equences of my dilatoriness been repair- 
ed in a measure by the animated and friendly exertions of the few 
survivors among my martial companions. To these individuals I 
owe a heavy debt of personal gratitude ; and should the following 
sheets be deemed worthy of general approbation, to their ready and 
unwearied assistance, more than to the author's care and diligence, 
may be justly ascribed the ])leasing result. I have, nevertheless, 
been compelled to abridge considerably my first design ; not having 
been able to obtain the documents necessary to its full accomplish- 
ment. 

It was my intention to present the public, not with a narrative of 
the southern operations only, but with the life of major general 
Greene, our distinguished leader. The two subjects appeared to 
be closely connected ; and the latter is strongly claimed by my in- 
timate knowledge of the military plans and measures of that illus- 
trious man, by the homage due to Iiis superior virtue, and the grate- 
ful remembrance, which I hold in common with all who served under 
him, of his benignity and justice. 

Apprehending that longer delay might eventuate in leaving alto- 
gether unexecuted my design, 1 resolved for the present to confine 
myself to these memoirs, deferring to some future day, or to more 
adequate abilities, the completion of my original plan. 



CHAPTER II. 

1777. Jl^ j^£ campaign projected by the British for seventy-seven,, 
announced, in its commencement, a system portentous of much evil 
to the United States. It contemplated the annihilation of resistance 
in all the country between the lakes and Albany, undisturbed pos- 



Southern Department of the United States. 1 1 

session of the Hudson River, (thus severing; the union) and the con- 
quest of Pennsylvania, whose capital (Philadelphia) was the me- 
tropolis of the American States. This extensive plan of opera- 
tions was supported by coextensive means.* 

Lieutenant general Burgoyne, u leader of renown, conducting 
the British army in the north, undertook his part with zeal and 
gallantry. Entering from Canada, he pressed forward with impet- 
uosity. Ticonderoga, with its various dependencies, fell without a 
blow ; and the victorious army, pursuing its success with ardour, 
gained repeated advantages over our broken and dispirited troops^ 
commanded by major general St. Clair. This promising beginning 
did not long continue. Major general Gates, bred to arms in the 
British school, and much respected by congress, was appointed to 
the chief command in the northern department. His reputation 
produced confidence ; our vanquished army was reanimated ; the 
east poured forth her hardy sons ; and chosen troops were detach- 
ed by the commander in chief from the main body. Gates soon 
found himself at the head of a sufficient force to face his enemy, 
whose advance had been fortunately retarded by the usual incum. 
brances of European armies, increased by the uncommon difficul- 
ties, which the face of the country presented, improved as they had 
been by the skill, diligence, and zeal of major general Schuyler, 
then commanding in that quarter. This delay reduced the pro- 
visions of the enemy ; and the first attempt to replenish them 
terminated in the destruction of a considerable body of Germans, 
detached on that service, under lieutenant colonel Baum.t Briga- 

American force tinder 
General Washington. 
16,000 
4,500 
3,300 

In 1777. 

4,500 
8,000 

Force under sir William Howe, wiien lie landed at Elkton, horse, foot, and 
artillery, amounted, in toto, to 18,000. 

Force under General Washington at the battle of Brandywine, including 
militia, 15,000. 

At which time the British force in Rhode Island and New York, under sir 
Henry Clinton, was 12,000 

And the American force under general Putnam at West Point, kc. exclusive 
of militia, wliich he was auihovized to call to him as he chose, from the states 
of Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, 2,000. 

Force under lieutenaiu general Burgoyne, excluding Canadians and Indians, 
7,000. 

Force under major general gates (continentals) 9,000 

militia 4,129 

total 13,129 

See Appendix, A. and B. 

t Brigadier general Starke had fortunately reached Bennington with a body 

militia from New Hampshire, where was established a depot of provisions 

^or the use of the northern army, at the time lieutenant colonel Baum made liis 



*Brit 


ish force under sir 


William 


Howe in 1776. 


August 


24,000 


Novenib* 


it 26,900 


Decembe 


;r 27,700 


March 


27,000 


June 


30,000 



1^ Memoirs of the War in the 

dier Starke, at the head of a force, mostly militia, attacked this 
corps on the heights of Walloomsack, and destroyed it : a dreadful 
blow to the assailing army, and the mirror of its future fate. Biir- 
goyne, however, persuaded that victory alone could retrieve him, 
sought for battle nith pertinacity and keenness. The American 
leader was not disinclined t*. the appeal, apprehending a serious 
movement* from New Yoik to dislodge him from his posts on the 
Hudson, and to occupy Albany his place of deposit. Two actions 
were fought, in which great courage was displayed. Both armies 
felt the magnitude of the stake ; every officer, and every soldier 
acted, as if on his single arm the i'ate of the day depended. The 
slaughter was great, especially of the British ; the glory was equal :, 
to the enemy, for having sustained himself through two long and 
sternly contested battles against superior numbers ; to America, 
for having with raw troops, chiefly undisciplined militia, checked a 
veteran army, conducted by a gallant and experienced chief, se- 
conded with skill and ardour by his officers, and heroically support- 
ed by his soldiers. The second action was speedily followed by 
the surrenrler of the British force.! Conditions more favourable 
than the relative situation of the armies authorized were granted 
by the conqueror ; who in this act, as in all its appurtenances, 
manifested an immutable attachment to the claims of humanity. 
Conduct so estimable gave new lustre to the splendid victory, where 

appearance with 500 Germans. Slnrke, uniting liis militia to the remains (200) 
of a continrntal regiment unrler colonel Warner, jurliciously decided to strike 
Baum before he could complete intienchments, begun for the purpose of strength- 
ening his position. The assault was immediate and vigorous; and the enemy 
tii'ascomplttely routed, most of the detachment being killed, wounded and taken. 
Starke's conduct was not only verified by liis success, but by the disclosure that 
a reinforcement under lieutenant colonel Brecknam was hastening to join Baum. 
The united force under Starke amounted to 2,000. 

* This important operation was conducted by sir Henry Clinton, second in 
commami ot the British army. He left New York early in October at the head 
cf 3,000 men; and by masterly manoeuvres entirely deceived general Putnam, 
the American commander. On the 6th he carried the forts Clinton and Mont- 
gon.ery by storm, whicli produced the immediate i-vacuation of the forts Inde- 
pendence and Constitution. Thus with an inferior foice did the British general 
in a few days dispossess us of the Hudson river, believed to have been in a con- 
dition impregnable to any force then at the enemy's disposal. The military 
conduct of sir Henry, during this expedition, carried with it manifestations of 
genius far above the common order; but he stained his laurels, so gallantly 
won, by the cruel contlagraiion of the defenceless town of Esopus, then the 
tiepot f f women and children. 

tThe expedition of sir Henry Clinton up the North river no doubt induced 
general Gules to admit, in the convention, tlie article which stipulated that the 
captive army should not serve against the United States until exchanged, and 
should be permitted in the mean time to return to England. Nevertheless the 
army of Burgoyiie never did return to England, congress having for the first 
time stifled the fair claims of its enemy, under colour of pretences as frivolous 
as was the detention of the army unjustifiable. There was a very great dis- 
proportion of force. Gates' army conbisted of 9,000 continental troops, and 
4,060 militia ; while that under Burgoyne amounted to 5,700 by the official 
statemeiU (d the number surrendered, which of course includes persons of every 
description. The British general rated his fighting force at 3,500, and that of 
Gates may be fairly esiimatei), including militia, at S^SOO. 



Southern Department of the United States. 13 

heroism was adorned by clemency ; illustrating the edifying truth, 
that glory is inseparable from virtue. 

General Burgoyne in his official report, bestowed great praise 
on his troops ; but especially on the able and active support derived 
from the generals Philips, Reidezel and Frazier, the last of \vhom 
fell in the second action, lamented and admired. Brigadier Arnold 
and colonel Morgan, among a host of distinguished associates, took 
the lead on the side of America, and were particularly regarded by 
congress, and the nation, in the burst ol applause which resound- 
ed throughout the United States, on the happy conclusion of the 
northern campaign. 

The reception of the rival leaders, by their respective governl 
raents, was as different as had been their fortune in battle. Gates was 
enrolled among the most celebrated heroes of the world, by Con- 
gress, country, and army ; while Burgoyne was not permitted to 
present himself to his sovereign, but, by the injustice of the very 
cabinet to whose former preference he owed his elevation, was de- 
prived of all the rewards of his long service, and died in disgrace 
at court, adored by his gallant troops, the companions, the wit- 
nesses of his toil and peril ; and esteemed by those of his country- 
men, who vvould sensibly discriminate between incidental misfor- 
tune and deserved infamy. 

Where is the general who ever more prodigally risked his life in 
his country's cause, than did the unfortunate Burgoyne ? where 
the army which more bravely executed its leader's will, than did 
(hat which he conducted? what danger was avoided? what effort 
unessayed ? what privation not submitted to ? what difficulties not 
encountered ? But all terminated in disaster ; and the army, from 
whose prowess so much was expected, yielded to its equal in cour- 
age, to its superior in number. 

To be unfortunate is to be disgraced : imperfect man ! infatuated 
government! The Roman senate did not thus think : that illustrious 
body of sages examined the intention ; the exertion, in conjunction 
with the issue, and made up their decision accordingly. Vanquish- 
ed generals have been reanimated by their unvanquished senate, 
who, ever true to itself, was just to others. See Varro thanked 
after the loss of the battle of Cannae, for not having despaired of 
the commonwealth. See the great Fabius, although for a time ob- 
scured by the machinations of detractors, hailed, in a long succes- 
sion of the highest confidence, " the shield of his country." But 
a Roman senate is too rarely to be found in the annals of power. 



Wi 



CHAPTER III. 



HILE this severe and eventful contest occupied the armies oP 
the north, Washington patiently waited the developement of sir 
William Howe's intention. This officer, commanding in chief the 
British forces, had left New York with 18,000 men completely ap- 



14 Memoirs of the War in the 

pointed and equipped, under convoy of a powerful fleet, directed 
by his brother lord Howe. 

Weighing from Sanc^y-Hook, in July, the 6eet steered for the 
south, which general Washington supposed to be the intended 
course : but lest it might have been a feint to draw the American 
army for from the Hudson, with a view of returning with the first 
fair wind and seizing West Point, the American Thermopylae, * 
washed by that river ; Washington proceeded no farther south than 
to Bucks county, in Pennsylvania, sufliciently near, for his tiniely 
interposition, should sir William Howe suddenly change his direc- 
tion. There, after a lapse of tive weeks, he received information, 
that the fleet had entered the Chesapeake, and was standing up that 
bay. He instantly decamped, and took a position on White-Clay 
crefek, in the county of New Castle, state of Delaware, while his 
light troops extended to the vicinity of Elkton, in the state of Ma- 

* Properly so termed, wiiether we regard its natural difficultiet, or its mili- 
tary importance. The high lands begin their ascent a little above King's Ferry 
on the Hudson, forty miles up the river from New York, communicating between 
Stony and Verplank's Point. In Pennsylvania and Maryland the same ridge of 
mountains is known by the nan)e of the North Mountain, being the only one- 
tvhich passes through all tlie northern States. Continuing south, the Allegany, 
misnamed the back- bone of Anglican America, absolutely sinks, before it reach- 
es the southern limits of Virginia, into the North mountain, or Blue Ridge. 
This spot, of precipice linked to precipice, now and then separated by a fissure 
admitting the pass of men in single file, rugged, sharp and steep, was selected 
by Washington to hold safe the possession of the upper Hudson, indispensable 
to the free egress and regress between the north and the south ; without which, 
military resistance could not be upheld. This mountainous region is computed 
to be twenty miles in breadth, alike rugged and impKtietriible on both sides of 
the river near its margin. About midway, on its eastern bank, is Antony's Nose, 
363 yards perpendicularly high; and opposite to it, 123 feet above the level of 
the river, is a spur of the mountain, with table land on its summit sufficient for 
the erection of works, separated from another spur by Preploap's kill or creek, 
(kill is the Dutch word for creek) presenting the same facility Both these tops 
were fortified : the first called Fort (Clinton, after the respectable and zealous 
governor of the state of New York ; and the last named Montgomery, aftej the 
bero ot Quebec. 

Antony's Nose, in its first step of ascent, is washed by Peekskill, which falls 
into tlic Hudson, on the northern banks of which was erected Fort Independence ; 
•and six or seven miles above the Nose, towards the declivity of the high lands, 
is Fort Constitution. These were our land defences. 

In the rirer, between the water projection of the spur on whose summit stood 
fort Clinton, and the base of Antony's Nose, here perpendicular, was sunk a 
boom oi mountain timber fastei\ed together by all the ligaments of art, ponderous 
and durable, lu front of which was affixed to the rocky base of the mountain, 
on eiich side of the river, an iron chain sixty tons in weight, whose every link 
was two inches and a hnlf square, and which in its sweep across the river pre- 
sented its point to the enemy in the channel. Behind the boom rode two frig- 
ates, two galleys, and a sloop of war, commeniurate with the theatre of action. 
Thus were we prepared by water. 

All the defiles, narrow and difficult as they were by nature, were made more 
ditficult by the roiling of rocks into them, and by felling trees across them, over 
and through which the assailant must clamber and creep for many miles before 
be could present himself against our works. 

This assemblage of defenses is known among us by the dfsignation of West 
Point, and constituted the primary object of Washington's «are during the war- 



Southern Department of the United States. 15 

ryland ; below which, at Cecil old court-house, the enemy disem- 
barked on the 28th of August. With very little delay, sir William 
advanced to Elklon, whence he moved to his left, preferring the 
upper route, where the water-courses were fordable ; where, from 
the presucned security of the farmers, provisions were more readily 
procurable ; and where he avoided those artificial impediments 
known to be prepared for him on the lower route As soon as 
this DiOvement was ascertained by Washington, he broke up from 
White Clay creek, and, turning to his right, took post on the eastern 
side of the Brandywine, fronting Chadsford, where he waited the 
approach of his foe. Sir William continued to advance by steady 
marches, holding up the strength of his troops, whose valour, he fore- 
saw with pleasure, would be tested in a few days. 

Having reached Kennet's Square on the 11th of September, not 
more than six or seven miles from Chadsford, Howe advanced in 
two columns : * the right, inferior in force, and charged with the 
care of the baggage, provisions, &c., under the direction of lieu- 
tenant general Knyphausen, took the road to Chadsford, with oiders 
to delay passing the Brandywine, until the commencement of the 
battle, by the left, should announce itself. This other column, 
made up of the best corps, and consisting of nearly two thirds of 
the whole force, commanded by sir William Howe in person, having 
under him lord Cornwallis, diverged to the left ; and making aa 
extensive circuit, crossed the two branches of the Brandywine ; 
when turning down the river it approached the American right. 
The battle soon began in this quarter ; and quickly afterwards 
Knyphausen forcing brigadier Maxwell, who commanded the light 
infantry stationed on the western side of the Brandywine, advanced 
upon our left. Three small detachments, commanded by the lieu- 
tenant colonels Parker, Heth, and Simms, of the Virginia line, 

* Washington was quickly informed of ttie separation of the enemy's columns, 
as he was subsequently informed not only of its continuance, but that the left 
column was making a very circuitous sweep. Persuaded of the fact, he wisely 
determined to pass the Brandywine with his whole force and strike at Knyphaus* 
e». In the very act of giving his orders to this effect, colonel Blaud, of the Vir- 
ginia horse, brought hiin intelligence which very much obscured, if it did not 
contradict, the previous information; and the original judicious decision was 
abandoned. Colonel Bland was noble, sensible, honourable, and amiable ; 
but never intended for the department of military intelligence. The third regi- 
ment of Virginia, first Mercer's, who fell covered with glory at Princeton; next 
Weedou's, at this time Marshall's, exhibited an example worthy of itself, its 
country, and its leader. Already high in reputation from the gallant stand 
made by one battalion under major Leitch on York Islaud, when supporting the 
brave colonel Knowlton in the first check given to the enemy, flushed with his 
victory of Long Island, in whicii check Knowlton was killed and Leitch mortal- 
ly wounded, having received three balls successively through his body, at the 
head of his victorious battalion ; from its firmness on our retreat through New- 
■ Jersey; from its intrepidity at Trenton, and its valour at Princeton, it now sur- 
passed its pristine fame. Our loss amounted to 300 killed, 600 wounded, and 
400 prisoners, chiefly wounded. Major general de la Fayette and brigadier 
Woodward were wouaded. Sir William Howe stated in his official report the 
British loss to be only 100 killed, and 400 woui.cied. The vanquished aumy will 
always suffer most. 



16 Memoirs of the War in the 

were, early in the morning, separatel}' and advantageously posted 
by the brigadier, contiguous to the road, some distance in his front ; 
and captain Porterfield, with a company of infantry, preceded 
these parties, with orders to deliver his fire as soon as he stiouUl 
meet the van of the enemy, and then to fall back. This service 
was handsomely performed by Porterfield, and produced the de- 
tired effect. The British van pressed forward rapidly and incau- 
tiously, until it lined the front of the detachment commanded by 
lieutenant colonel Simms, who poured in a close and destructive 
fire, and then retreated to the light corps. The leading officer of 
the enemy was killed : and the detachment suffered severely. The 
contest which began on our right spread to our left, and was warm 
in some parts of the American line ; and many of the corps distin- 
guished themselves. The most conspicuous were the brigades of 
Wayne and Weedon, and the third regiment of Virginia, command- 
ed by colonel Marshall;* to which, with the artillery directed by 
colonel Proctor of Pennsylvania, much praise was given. Of these 
the third regiment stood preeminentj part of Woodford's brigade : 
it occupied the right of the American line ; and being advanced to 
a small eminence, some little distance in front, for the purpose of 
holding safe that flank, it received the first shock of the foe. One 
column moved upon it in front, while a second struck at its left. 
Cut off from cooperation by the latter movement, it bravely sus- 
tained itself against superior numbers, never yielding one inch of 
ground, and expending thirty rounds a man, in forty-five minutes. 
It wi<s now ordered to fall back upon Woodford's right, which was 
handsomely accomplished by colonel Mars^hall, although deprived 
of half his officers, where he renewed the sanguinary contest. The 
reo-iment, having been much reduced by previous service, did not 
amount to more than a battalion ; but one field officer, the colonel, 
and four captains, were with it Marshall escaped unhurt, although 
his horse received two balls. Of the captains, two only, Blackwell 
and Peyton, remained fit for duty. Chilton was killed, and Lee 
mortally wounded. The subalterns suffered in proportion. Lieu- 
tenants White, Cooper, and ensign Peyton, were killed ; lieutei*- 
ants Mercer, Blackwell, and Peyton wounded. Thirteen non-com- 
niissioned otficers, and sixty privates fell. 

The opposing enemy was as severely handled ; and the leading 
officer of one of the columns, with several others, was killed. The 
action closed with the day, in our defeat. 



CHAPTER IV. 

W ASHINGTON retired during the night to Chester ; t whence 
he decamped the next morning. Taking the route to Philadelphia, 

* Father of chief justice Marshall. 

+It is wortliy of remark that Howe was but 18 miles:j: from Philadel- 
phia ; and Washington, who reached Chester on the night of the battle 

4: More probably 25 miles. — woTE BT the Ed. 



Southern Department of the thiited States. 17 

and crossing the Schuylkill, he moved up that river, halted one 
d{\y at Germantown, then recrossed it near Swedesford, and 
gained the Lancaster road. On the 15th he advanced to meet the 
enemy, who, after three days' repose on the field of battle, quitted 
the Brandywine, pointing his march to the upper /brds of the 
Schuylkill. A violent storm, accompanied by a deluge of rain, 
stopped the renewal of battle on the following day, near the War- 
ren tavern on the load from Pliiladel[ihia to Lancaster ; for which 
the two armies were arrayed, and in which the van troops were 
engaged. Separated by the tempest, the American general exert- 
ed hitnself to replenish his ammunition, destroyed by the fall of 
water, from the insecurity of our * cartouch boxes and artilleiy 
tumbrels ; ivhile the British general pursued his route across the 
Schuylkill, directing his course to the American metropolis. Con- 
tiguous to the enemy's route, lay some mills stored with flour, for 
the use of the American army. Their destruction was deemed 
necessary by the commander in chief; and his aid-de camp, lieu- 
tenant colonel Hamilton,! attended by captain Lee, J with a small 
party of his troop of horse, were despatched in front of the enemy, 
with the order of execution. 'J'he mill, or mills, stood on the 
bank of the Schuylkill. Approaching, you descend a long hill 
leading to a bridge over the mill-race. On the summit of tliis hill 
two videls were posted ; and soon after the party reached the mills, 
lieutenant colonel Hamilton took possession of a flat bottomed boat 
for the purpose of transporting himself and his comrades across the 
river, should the sudden approach of the enemy render such re- 
treat necessary. In a little time this precaution manifested his 
sagacity : the fire of the videts announced the enemy's appearance. 
The dragoons were ordered instantly to embark. Of the small 
part}', four with the lieuten;rjt colonel jumped into the boat, the 
van of the enemy's horse in full view, pressing down the hill in 
pursuit of the two videts. Captain Lee, with the remaining two, 
took the decision to regain the bridge, rather than detain the boat, 
Hamilton was committed to the flood, struggling against a violent 
current, increased by the iiecent VMn?, ; while Lee put his safety 
on the speed and soundness of his horse. 

was sixteen miles distant, the Delaware on his right, the Schuylkill in his front, 
and his enemy 'on his left. Was it luit furpiisiiig that the British general did 
not perceive and seize the advantage, so plainly before hira, by a forced inarch 
as soon as his troops had snatched food and rest? 

* Among the many and afflicting disadvantages imposed on the American 
general, the insufficiency of the iinplenients covering our powder, was not the 
least. There ex. sled anotlier ground of disparity, which continued neai ly to 
the end of the war — inferiority of arms. Some of our musketry were witiioot 
bayonets; and not a single biigade had muskets of the same caliber; by whi:h 
means, a corps expending its ammunition, could not use that of an adjoining 
corps. The latter deficiency is imputable to our poverty, as arms in that stage 
of the war could only be piocured by purchase from abroad ; but the former is 
justly to be ascribed to the criminal supinenets of our contractors, as we abounU- 
»d in leather and good v/orknien, 

t Tlie celebrated Alexander Hamilton. 

I Henry I.ee, afterwar<ls lieutenant colonel Lee, of the K'gion. Cavalry. 

'A 



IS Memoirs of the War in the 

The attention of the enemy being engaged by Lee's ptjsh for the 
bridge, delayed the attack upon the boi\t for a few minutes, and 
thus afforded to Hamilton a better chance of escape. The two 
videts preceded Lee as he reached the britlge ; and himself with 
the two dragoons safely passed it, although the enemy's front sec- 
tion emptied their carbines and pistols* at the distance of ten or 
twelve paces. Lee's apprehension for the safety of Hamilton con- 
tinued to increase, as he heard volleys of carbines discharged upon 
the boat, which were returned by guns singly and occasionally. 
He trembled f)r the probable issue ; and as soon as the pursuit 
«nded, which did not long continue, he despatched a dragoon to the 
commander in chief, describing, with feelmgs of anxiety, what had 
passed, and his sad presage. His letter was scarcely perused by 
Washington, before Hamilton himself appeared ; and, ignorant of 
the contents of the paper in the general's hand, renewed his atten- 
tion to the ill-boding separation, with the probability that his friend 
Lee had been cut otf ; inasmuch as instantly after he turned for the 
bridge, the British horse reached the mill, and commenced their 
operatioDs upon the boat. 

Washington with joy relieved his fears, by giving to his aid-de- 
camp the captain's letter. 

Thus did fortune smile upon these two young soldiers, already 
united in friendship, which ceased only with life. Lieutenant colo- 
nel Hamilton escaped unhurt; but two of his four dragoons, with 
one, of the boatmen, were wounded. 



S 



CHAPTER V. 



IR William Howe, having passed the Schuylkill on the 23d, 
pursued by easy marches his route to Pliiladelphia. 

On the 26th he took a position in the village of Germantown, 
seven or eight miles distant from the city, which was on the follow- 
ing day possessed by lord Cornwallis with one division of the army.. 
The position of Germantown has some advnptages, mingled with 
many disadvantages. Its right is acce*sil>!e with ease; and its cen- 
t-re presents no obstruction from superiority of ground, to tht 
;ts3ai!ant. Its chief, if not sole a<lvantage, consisted in the safety 
of the left, and its proximity to Philadelphia, which city it was ne-^ 
cessary to secure. A few miles more rfmote is Chesnut hill, 
which sir William misrht have occupied, and vvhere he might have 
defied annoyance. This ground proba!)ly did not escape his obser- 
vation ; but it was not so near to Philadelphia, and, what was more 
to be regarded, too remote to permit him to give his undivided ex- 

* The fire of cavalry is at best innocent, pspecially in quick motion, as was 
then the case. "The stiength and activity "f the horse, the precision and celerity 
of evolution, the adroitness of the rider, boot-top to b otlop, and the keen edge 
of the sabre, with fiiness- of ground, and skill in the leader, constitute their 
vast power, so often decisive in the day of battle. 



Southern Department of the United States. 19 

ertions towards the opening of the Delaware to his fleet, on whose 
propinquity depended the safety of his army. 

The possession of Philadelphia, however anxioij>i|y desired, and 
highly rated by the British ministry, did not produce any of those 
advantageous resulis, so confidently expected: nor indeed could 
the discriininating statesman have justly calculated upon extensive 
benefit from the achievement. The American nation is spread 
over a vast region ; the great body of whose population live upon 
their farms, pur?uing exclusively the occupations of agriculture. 
The loss of a town, though the first, i.>i not felt by a people thus 
situated, as if is in Europe, where whole countries resemble a con- 
tinued village ; and where the commercial and manufacturing inter- 
ests have spread and ramified themselves to a considerable exient. 
However the loss of Philadelphia may have advanced the hopes of 
the British nation and government, it was slightly regarded by the 
states and congress. 'J'his body of virtuous sages had discerned, 
by deep examination of the resources of the United States, that 
the nation's safety was not endangered by such fleeting occurrences : 
they placed, under God, their confidence in the fidelity of their 
fellow citizens, in the courage of their armies, in the purity and 
wi.^dom oi their general in chief, and in the fiscal ability of the 
nation ;* on all of which they had a right to count with certainty, 
dreadfully as the last failed from the imbecilly of the govern- 
ment. 

Experience too had not withheld its chastening admonition. t 
New York had before fallen, after having been held too long, from 
the influence which, in a free country, the public wish will ever 
possess, even over the stern soldier. By obedience to the impulse 
flowing from this cause, the main body of the American army had 
been risked improvidently in the bold attemj)t to iiold that city ; 
and with much difficulty and much loss, did the commander in chief 
extricate his army, from the perils in which it had been conse- 
quently involved. 

Washington, follo»iing sir William Howe with a view to place 
himself in a strong position at a convenient distance, re;4dy to seize 
the first fit opportunity to measure swords with his antagonist, en- 

* The congress was composed of deputies from the severnl states, and reEem- 
bled more a diplomHiic corps executing the will of the sovereign, ttitn the sover* 
eign commanding the execution of its will. It cannot excite Siuprise to the re- 
flecting reader, tnat our finances, uii'ier such auspices, snon sunk. 

+ It Is natural for the inhabitants of the same country to feel for the losses 
and injuries of any portion of their countrymen from the operations of a com- 
mon enemy. This influence is accompanied by a disposition to criminate him 
who may be intrusted with the direction of the means of protection, sharpened 
by an indisposition to retribute those who lose by not receiving ihat protection 
however strongly called for by equity. To save New York, our second, if not 
first town, was the wish of all ; and Washington, slvaring in this fpeling with his 
fellow citizens, seems to have indulged his incliiiation too far upon tliis occa* 
sion. After various marches and manoeuvres, and some loss, the erroneous plan 
was concluded by the fall of Fort Washington, with a uumerous gar/ison, whose 
aid in the field could ill b€ spared. 



20: Memoirs of the War in the 

camped on the western side of Skippack creek, about sixteen milea 
from Germantown. 

Both 2;enerals now turned their attention to the river impedi- 
ments : tlje one, to open a passage for his fleet, which, after disem- 
barking the army, had returned to sea, destined for the Delaware ; the 
other, to impede, as long as was practicable, this much desired junc- 
tion. The American general had neglected no means within his 
power to stop the advance of the fleet, by preparing to maintain 
the defence of the various obstructions fixed in the channel of the 
river. With this view, two fortresses had been erected : one on 
Mud Island, denominated Fort Mitllin, after general Mifflin, since 
governor of Pennsylvania ; and the other at Billingsport, on a point 
of land, opposite to the lower line of chevaux-de-frise, of which 
three rows, formed of the heaviest timber, strengthened and point- 
ed with iron, had been sunk acrjoss the channel. Billingsport wa9 
abandoned on the approach of a detachment, under colonel Stir- 
ling, sent to dislodge the American garrison ; and a high bluff on 
the same side of the river, opposite to Mud Island, called Red 
Bank, was fortified, which with Fort Mifflin protected the two up- 
per lines of chevanx-de-frise. Above, and near to these, was 
stationed our maritime force, consisting of row-galleys, floating 
batteries, fire ships, and rat'ts. The fortification of Red Bank con- 
sisted of an intrenchmcnt and redoubt, called Fort Mercer, in com- 
memoration of brig;ulier general Mercer, of Virginia, who died of 
his wounds received at the battle of Princeton, nobly sustaining 
his beloved commander, in consummating the masterly movement 
made by him from t;is [)osition in front of lord Cornwallis at Tren- 
ton ; by which jingle stroke, was liberated nearly the whole state 
of New Jersey. 

OfBcers were selected to command at these particular posts, high 
in the confidence of the commander in chief; and the naval force 
was committed to commodore Hiizehvood. 

Great were the exertions of sir William Howe to restore the 
navigation ; and equally great were the etTorts of Washington to 
hold it occiuiled. Aware that the necessary operrilions to reduce 
the forts, Mercer and Mifflin, would call for considerable detach- 
ments from the British army, the American general continued 
in his position at SUippack Creek, wilhin reach of his enemy, still 
encamped in the village of Germantotvn, patiently watching for the 
opportune moment, to strike his meditated blow- 
Cautious as Washington undoubtedly was, his caution was ex- 
ceeded by his spirit of enterprise. He resembled Marcellus 
rather than Fabius, notwithstanding his rigid adlterence to the 
Fabian [)olicy during our war. Ardent, and impetuous by nature, 
he had, nevertheless, subjected his passions to his reason ; and 
could with facility, by hii^ habitual self-control, repress his inclina- 
tions whenever his judgment forbade their indulgence ; the whole 
tenor of his military hfe evinces uniform and complete self command. 
Province Island, close to the Pennsylvania shore, and contiguous 
to Mud Island, had been possessed by general Howe, with a view 



Southern Department of the United States: 2*1 

to hasten the fall of Fort Mifflin. This service, with other accom- 
panying chums on his force, compelled him to draw rather improvi- 
(lently from his main body, already weakened by his occupation of 
Philadelphia, with a considerable detachment under lord Corn- 
wallis. 

Understanding the condition of his foe, Washington decamped on 
the evening of the third of October, and, moving with secrecy and 
circumspection, attacked the enemy in his camp at Germantown, 
early in the morning of the fourth. The commencement was 
favourable; but, by the failure of punctual cooperation, and the 
brave stand of colonel Musgrave with six companies of the fortieth 
regiment at Chew's house on the discomfiture of the British van, 
the flattering dawn was soon and sadly changed. 

Washington was compelled to retire ; which he effected with 
ease, the enemy showing no disposition to risk serious pursuit. Our 
loss was considerable, and unhappily augmented by the captivity 
of the ninth Virginia regiment and its brave colonel, Matthews, 
who had, with a part of the sixth, led by colonel Towles, victori- 
ously pierced into the midst of the British army, where, gallantly 
contending unsupported, he was compelled to surrender. 

Here, as at Brandywine, some of our corps greatly distinguished 
themselves. Major general Sullivan's division made up chiefly 
of the Maryland line, did honour to its general, and its slate; 
especially the brigade commanded by Conway, who led into battle 
©n the right. Such partial efforts, however honourable to the par- 
ticular troops, never can terminate in victory : this precious fruit 
is only to be plucked by the co-operating skill and courage of the 
whole body. The loss of the British in killed and wounded was 
nearly eipial to that sustained by us, which did not exceed sis 
hundred.* 

The sudden change which we experienced was attributed to the 
delay of the left column's entrance into action.! to the fog of the 
morning which was uncommonly dense, and to the halt at Chew's 
house. These certainly were the ostensible causes of the defeat ; 
and some of them lightly contributed to our disaster. A critical 
examination ot the operations of that day, however, will lead all 
impartial inquirers to one conclusion : namely, that although the. 
fog withheld from us the important advantago, resulting to assailing 
troops, from a clear view of the enemy's incipient measures to 
repel the assault ; and although the halt at Chew's house had cool- 
ed the ardour, which, at the beginning, success had infused into our 
soldiers ; yet these incidetits could not have produced the disastrous 
change in the fortune of the day. 

* Besides the ninth regiment, but few prisoners were taken. The whole 
amounted to 400, wbicli, added to our killed and wounded, gave a total oi 
1000. 

t The left column was under the order of major general Greene, Some 
attempts at that time were made to censure that officer ; but they were too fee- 
ble to attract notice, when levelled at a general whose uniform conduct had 
alreadj placed hun high in the confidence of his chief and of the army. 



22 Memoirs of the War in the 

But this turn must be ascribed to deeper cansea : to the yet 
imperfect discipline of the American army; to the broken spirit 
of the troops, who, from d;jy to day. and from month to month, had 
been subjected to the most trying and strength-wasting privations, 
through the improvidence, or inability of government ; to the inex- 
perience of the tribe of generals ; and to the complication of the 
plan of assault : a complication said to have been unavoidable. 

The halt at* Chew's house was taken after some ueliberation, 
as the writer well recollects ; being for that day in the suite of the 
commander in chief, with a troop of dragoons charged with duty 
near his person. 

Many junior officers, at the head of whom where colonel Picker- 
ing and lieutenant colonel Hamilton, urged with zeal the propriety 
of passing the house. Brigadier Knox opposed the measure with 
earnestness, denouncing the idea of leaving an armed force in the 
rear ; and, being always high in the general's confidence, his opin- 
ion prevailed. A flag of truce was instantly despatched to summon 
the British colonel, while appropriate bodies of troops were pre- 
pared to compel his submission. As had been suggested, the sum- 
mons was disregarded by Musgrave, who persevered in his judi- 
cious defence ; and captain Smith, of the first Virginia regiment, 
deputy adjutant general, bearing the Hag, fell with it waving in his 
hands. Thirsting after military fame, ^nsd devoted to his country, 
be obeyed with joy the perilous order ; advanced through the 
deadly iire {)Ouring from the house, presuming that the sanctity of 
his flag would at length be respected ; vain expectation ! he fell 
before his admiring comrades, a victim to this generous presump- 
tion. 

Unfortunntcf as was the issue of the 'lattle at Germantovvn, it 
manifested the unsubdued, though broken spirit, of the American 
army ; jind taught the enemy to expect renewal of combat, when- 
ever adequacy of force or fitness of opportunity should authorize 
repetition of battle : it gave, too, animation to the country at large, 
exciting in congress, and in the people, invigorated zeal in the great 
cause in which they were engaged. 



CHAPTER Vr. 

xSOTH armies bavins; resumed (heir former positions, the respec- 
tive leaders, with renovated vigour, directed their views to the car- 
dinal point, of all their movements, and all their conflicts. 

* Colone] Miisgrave anf) the fortieth regiment received tlie cordial tliatjks of 
sir William Howe, and were held up lo the army as an example for imitation. 
Nor was the applause, which was lavishly bestowed upon Musgrave. restricU 
ed to America. It resounded in Great Britain ; and tlie successful colonel 
received a letter from the British monarch, expressing his sense of his meritori- 
his conduct. 

t Congress voted their thanks to the general and army, expressing without 
reserve tlieir approbation of the plan of battle, and of the courage exhibited 
'8n the occasion. 



Southern Department of the United States. 23 

Howe felt and understood the late bold attempt of his adversary ; 
and, withdrawing from his position in Germantown, concentrated 
his force in the vicinity of Philadelphia, strengthening his camp by 
field works, which in effect increased his disposable force. 

He soon became convinced that the dislodgement of the Ameri- 
can garrisons from the forts, Mifflin and Mercer, was an indispenga* 
ble prerequisite to the opening of the passage of the river, where 
the admiral and fleet had arrived from the Chesapeake, prepared to 
cooperate in removing (hose obstructions ; and immediate mea- 
sures were taken towards the accomplishment of this object. 

A detachment of Hessians, led by colonel count Donop, crossed 
the Delaware from Philadelphia, and took the route for Fort Mer- 
cer. A few miles only in its van, was a reinforcement for the post 
of Mud Island, sent by Washington, under lieutenant colonel Simms, 
of the sixth Virginia regiment.* 

Simms continued to precede Donop, and reached the fort at Red 
Bank, the evening before the enemy appeared. No doubt existed 
but that Donop would make his assault the next day Simms en- 
treated colonel Greene, of the Rhode Island line, commandant in 
Fort Mercer, to avail himself of the accidental aid under hi? com- 
mand. To this proposal Greene readily assented ; and a disposi- 
tion was accordingly made of the united force, to receive the assail- 
ant. Matured reflection, in the course of the night, induced col- 
onel Greene to renounce the welcome and seasonable aid before 
accepted. He considered that the detachment under lieutenant 
colonel Simms was destined for Mud Island, a place of the highest 
importance ; and which, for ought he knew, might be attacked by 
the fleet and army at the moment of the intended assault upon him- 
self. He revolved in his mind the weighty responsibility he should 
assume, by changing the disposition of the commander in chief, 
increased tenfold should an attack be made upon Fort Mifflin, desti- 
tute of the aid sent to contribute to its defence. 

These soldier-like reflections determined this gallant officer to 
rely solely upon his inferior force, which he directed to resume its 
original disposition, assigning his entire corps to that part of the 
works heretofore contracted to fit his strength ; nor could the per- 
severing solicitations of lieutenant Colonel Simms, seconded by 
the anxious wishes of his troops, shake the fixed resolve of Greene. 

* Lieutenant colonel Simras, after passingf the Delaware below Bristol, arriv* 
ed, with the detachment under his command, at Moore'a Town, eight miles from 
Cooper's ferry, opposite Philadelphia, about ten o'clock at night. He was in- 
formed that a detachment of the enemy were crossing at that ferry ; the safety 
of his detachment required thfil he should ascertain whether the enemy were 
actually crossing the Delaware or not; and he immediately, with a small 
escort of dragoons, proceeded with great circumspection to the ferry, and found 
that the information he Uad received was not true ; nor could he discover any 
movement of troops in the city. A party of militia were posted at tt)e (crry, 
whom lieutenant colonel Simms found asleep; being roused and informed ol their 
danger from such negligence, they priividentially escaped certain destruction ; 
for before the dawn of day, the van of Donop's corps had landed with hope of 
striking tljem. 



24 Memoirs of the fVar in the 

Disappointed iu his sought participation of the terrible conflict 
impenilitig, this zealous officer hastened to his destined post, to 
shafe with the commandant of Mud Island the dangers of his ardu- 
ous and momentous struggle. 

Fihng oif through the postern gate of the fort, he embarked in 
boats prepared to transport his detachment to the Island. This 
movement was quickly discerned by count Donop, who, having 
some hours before arrived, was engaged in the necessary prepara- 
tions for attack. 

Not doubting, from what he saw, that the garrison was attempt- 
ing to escape, Donop relinquished his preparations, though abso- 
lutely requisite, and arrayed his troops for assault. Rushing on to 
our works, he entered that part of them designedly abandoned, in 
consequence of the contraction made by Greene; and, finding these 
evacuated, his temerity increased ; of which the American com- 
mandant took full advantage. Having appioached, tumulluously, 
close to the muzzles of our guns, a severe fire from the garrison en- 
sued, which was so fatal in its efl'ects as to destroy instantly every hope 
of success. The gallant Donop fell, mortally wounded ; and the 
carnage was so dreadful as to render immediate tlight on the part 
of the survivors indispensable. Nor was the naval diversion, ia 
favour of the assault by land, free from disaster. The Augusta, a 
ship of the line, and Merlin sloop of war, part of the squadron 
employed on this occasion, were both lost : the first, by fire acci- 
dently communicated ; the last, having grounded, was purposely 
destroyed. 

Thus was requited scrupulous adherence to military obedience. 
The hero of Fort Meicer received with universal acclamation the 
honour conferred on him bj' congress, so nobly earned ;* which, 

*= hi Congress, JVovember 4, 1777. 
}lcsolved, that congress have a liigli sense of the merit of colonel Greene,- 
ant] the oflicers and men under his coiTidiand, in their late gallant defence of 
the fort at lied Clank, on Delaware river, and that an elegant sword be provided 
.^y the board of war, and presented to colonel Greene. 
Extract from the oiinutes. 

Charles Thompson, sec'ry. 



War office 
New 



s of the United States, ) 

Vnrk, June 7, 1786. ) 

Sii, 

r iiave the honour to transmit to yon, the son and legal representative of the 
}aie memorable and gallant colonel Greene, the sword directed to be presented 
to him by the resolve of congress of the 4th November, 1777. 

The repulse and defeat of the Germans, at the fjit of Ked Bank on the Del- 
aware, is justly considered as one of llie most brilliant actions of the late war. 
'J'he glory of that event rs inseparably attached to the memory of your late 
frtther and his brave garrison. Tlie manner in which the supreme authority of 
the United .Slates are (ilcased to express their high sense of his military meiit, 
and the honourable instrument which they annex in testimony thereof, must be 
peculiarly precious to a son enmlati-ve of his father's virtues. 

The circumstances of the war prevented the obtaining and delivery of the 
sword previous to your father's being killed at Croton river, in the year 1780. 
X)n that catastrophe his country mourned the sacrifice of a patriot and Boldier, 
and mingled its tears with ihos^ of his faraily. 



Southern Department of the United States. 25 

through the eventlul vicissitudes of after service, he sustained with 
unfading histre. 

This successful resistance, on the part of the Americans, waS 
soon followed by the exhilarating intelligence from the north, plac- 
ing out of doiiht the surrender of Burti;oyne and his army. 

To protract as long as possible the defence of the obstructions to 
the river navigation, became more and more dear to Washington : 
for, with the reinforc^-ments to be derived from the Northern ar- 
my, he flattered himself to lie at length able to act with thnt vigour, 
his own temper had invariably courted ; but which his impotent 
condition had prevented. Could he have left a sutiicient force in 
his camp at White Marph, to which position he had advanced on 
the enemy's retreat to Philadelphia, to protect his hospitals and 
stores in Bethlehem, Reading, and their vicinity, he would have 
j)laced himself on the western heights of the Schuylkill, whence he 
could with facility have driven the enemy from Province Island,* 
by which establishment Fort Mifflin was e.^sentially endangered. 
This movement on the part of Washington, must have compelled 
sir William Howe to venture the perilous operation of fighting his 
enemy on his own ground, passing a river into battle, or passing it 
above or below him. The Litter was the most ready approach : 
but very disadvantaseous was the access, through the intermediate 
marshes of the Delaware and the Schuylkill ; nor w^ it easy to 
convey artillery, baggage, and the ammunitions of war, through 
those humid grounds ; and delay in the operation would endanger 
the health of his troops. 

To pass above Washington comported belter with a due regard 
to the health, the comfort, and the labour of his army ; but to this 
course were annexed weighty objections. The route would be 
extensive ; it would place Howe, when he reached the western 
banks of the Schuylkill, too remote from Philade![)hia : a weak gar«- 
rison, if left there, must fall if stru< k at ; an adequate garrison he 
could not spare, in his then efl'ective strength: 

Whatever choice he might adopt in the difficult condition, to 
which the transfer of the American head quarters to the western 
heights ot the Schuylkill, opposite to the city must have reduced 
him ; it is very certain, his decision, when taken, would be replete 

That the patriotic and military virtues of your honourable father may influ- 
ence your conduct in every case in which your country may require your services, 
is the sincere wish of 

Your most ohedient 

and very humble servant, 

H. KNOX. 
Job Grecne, Esa. 

* A small detachment was landed on Piovince Island with a view to expel the 
enemy engaged in erecting this batteiy. Major Vatap, who commanded the 
British coveiing party, abandoned most shamefully the artillery, which was 
however retaken by a subaltern officer. The above is stated by Mr. Stdinan, 
whose history of the American war is marked bj' an invariable disposition to 
record the truth. I believe it is the single instance of dastardly conduct among 
the Bfitish officers during the war. Vatap belonged to the tenth regiment, and 
was obliged to quit the seivice, and sell out below the regulated price. 
4 



26 Memoirs of the War in the 

tvith hazard. Our army being reinforced from the north, with the 
faithful battalions of New England, flushed with victory, and sur- 
passing, if poauble, their comrades in devotion to the American 
chief; even upon equal ground, the battle would have been keenly 
contested, and must have been profusely bloody. 

Victory, on the side of America, presented the richest rewards, 
peace and independence. Exhortations, drawn from such sources, 
could not have been applied without effect. But suppose sir Wil- 
liam Howe to have readily surmounted the presumed obstacles to 
ffais advance, and to have approached tlie American army, he would 
have found Washington in a position selected by himself, ready for 
battle. Bloody must have been the conflict, and uncertain the 
event. Yet it may be fairly suggested, had fortune continued to 
cling to sir William Howe, such would have been the obstinacy of 
the contest, that, situated as he was, it was highly probable all the 
advantages resulting from the battle would have been gathered by 
bis adversary. Nothing short of a complete victory, followed by 
the destruction of his enemy, could have relieved the British gen- 
eral ; which, in existing circumstances, was scarcely possible ; 
whereas a well fought day, crippling both armies, would in its con- 
sequences have produced deci^^ive benefits to his antagonist. Fort 
Mifflin, still sustaining itself against the persevering exertions of 
the enemy, could never have been reduced by the debilitated foe ; 
and the junction of the fleet, on which depended the safety of the 
army, never could have been effected. 

Delighted as was Washington with a prospect so magnificent, he 
had, on the first intimation of the piobable issue to the northern 
campaign, given orders to general Gates, to hasten to his succour a 
portion of that army, as soon as the state of things would warrant a 
separation of his force. Meanwhile, restricted as he was to infe- 
rior numbers, he continued to exert every mean in his power to 
Support Mud Island ; whose com(nandant, count d'Arenat, having 
^een disabled by indisposition to execute the duties of his station, 
lieutenant colonel Smith,* of the Maryland line, second in com- 
mand, supplied hi* place. On this active and determined officer and 
his brave garrison, the attention of both armies was turned ; each 
being justly impressed with the momentous result of successful re- 
sistance. 

Smith felt the high responsibility devolved upon him, and *vafi 
well apprised of the vast odds against which he had to contend. 
Unhappily the commodore and himself soon disagreed ; an event, 
no doubt, productive of injurious effects to the service. Never- 
theless, heutenant colonel Smith, and his gallant garrison, pre- 
served the most imposing countenance, submitting to every priva- 
tion, surmounting every difliculty, and braving every danger. 

* Now general Samuel Smith of Marylanc*, Riid senator of the United Statas. 



Southern Department of the United States. 27 



CHAPTER VII. 

JL HE eflemy increased his works on Province Island, mounting 
them with thirty-two pounders ; which being completed on the 9th 
of Novemher, a demolishing cannonade took place without delay, 
and continued without intermission ; being erected within four of 
five hundred yards of the nearest defences on Mud Ishmd, the block- 
houses were soon battered down ; and the breach, in that quarter, 
encouraged immediate resort to the ultimate operations, which 
would most likely have been attempted, had not the heroic stand made 
by colonel Greene at Fort Mercer presented an admonition too iin,» 
pressive to be disregarded by an officer of sir William Howe's pru- 
dence. This attempt was considered by lieutenant colonel Smith, 
not only practicable but probable ; and he advised the withdrawal 
of the troops. Nor was his counsel unsupported by the actual con- 
dition of the fort and garrison : th« first dismantled in various points ; 
and the second always greatly inadequate in strength, and now ex- 
tremely incapacitated, by fighting, watching, and working for close 
and stubborn action. Indeed so desperate was the prospect, and so 
probable the last appeal, that colonel Smith assembled his officers, 
for the purpose of deciding on the course to be pursued ; when, 
vvith^ one voice it was determined that, should the expected event 
lake place, and the enemy succeed in forcing the outer works, the 
garrison should retreat to an inclosed intrenchment in the centre 
of the fort, and there demand quarters ; which, if refused, a match 
should be mstantly applied to the magazine, and themselves, with 
their enemy, buried m one common ruin, 

Washington, still sanguine in his expectation of being soon formi- 
dably reinforced from the army under Gates, frowned upon every 
suggestion of evacuation. He established a small camp in New 
Jersey under brigadier Varniim, contiguous to Fort Mercer, for the 
purpose of affording daily relief to the garrison of Mud Island, 
whose commandant received orders to defend it to the last ex- 
tremity. 

The enemy, from his ships below, and from his batte- Novem. 
ries on Province Island, and the heights above Schuylkill, 10th. 
continued to press his attack with renewed vigour and increased 
effect. In the course of the fierce contest, lieutenant colonel 
Smith received a contusion from the shattered walls of Novem 
the fort, which, obliging him to retire, the command Hth. 
devolved on his second lieutenant colonel Simms, who con- Novem 
tinned to sustain the defence with unyielding firmness, until I2ih. 
he was relieved by colonel Russell, of Massachusetts, who Novem. 
preserved the undaunted resistance uniformly exhibited. l^th. 
Russell and his officers, being unacquainted with the condi- 
tion of the works, and some movement indicating a determina- 
tion to storm the fort being discovered, lieutenant colonel Simms 
proposed to the retiring garrison to remain until the next day. 
This proposition was generously assented to ; and the united force 



28 Memoirs of the War in the 

repaired to their post, determined to defend, at every hazard, our 
dilapidated works. In the course of the night, a floating hattery 
was descried, falling down the river, the precursor, as was suppos- 
ed, of the long expected assault. But whatever may have been 
the enemy's desijjn, it proved ahorlive ; as only that single hattery 
reached us, which was soon silenced by our guns, and abandoned 
hy its? crew. 

Novem. Russell wao succeedt^d hy mnjor Thayer, of the Rhode 
Htli. Island line, an officer singularly qu.dified for the arduous 
condition in which he was placed. Resistance could not slacken, 
under such a leader Entering with ardour into the wishes of his 
general, he laboured with diligence, during the night, (o repair the 
destruction of the day ; he revived the hopes of his brave soldiers, 
by encouraging them to count on uliimale success ; and retrieved 
their impaired strength, by presenting to their view the rich har- 
vest of revvard and glory, sure to follow in the train of victory. 
The terrible conflict became more and more desperate. Not the 
tremendous fire from Province Island and the heights of Schuylkill, 
not the thunder from the hostile fleet, nor the probable sudden co- 
operation of the army down the river, could damp the keen and 
soaring courage of Thayer Cool and discriminating amidst sur- 
rounding dangers, he held safe the great stake committed to his 
skill and valour. 

A new assailant now presented itself. Between Province and 
Mud Islands, water and time had worked a ship channel, on high 
tide, through a mere gut, which had never been observed by those, 
on whose examination and information, the defence- in the river 
and on the island had been planned and executed. A succession 
of high tides for several preceding days, it is supposed, had at this 
period added considerably to the width and depth of this channel. 
However this may be, it is certain that this piiss was first shown by 
the enemy, prepared to apply the advantage it bestowed. 

An East Indiaman, cut down to its depth of water, was, hy the 
skill i>nd perseverance common to British seamen, readily brought 
to the desired station, close to the fort. Thayer saw himself gone, 
unless the commodore could crush this unexpected and decisive 
operation He lost not a moment in reporting his changed condi- 
tion, and claiming immediate relief. Hazelwood felt with the same 
heart the altered and menaced state to which Fort Mifflin was re- 
duced ; but all his (^flforts to repel this new enemy were inefi'ectual. 
Nothing now remained for the valiant Thayer, but to abandon the 
high-prized station. He retired in the second night of his Novem. 
command, admired by the brave garrison who had ex- 15th. 
perienced the value of his able predecessors, and honoured by the 
commander in chief, though compelled to a measure fatal to his 
wisely projected and well supported system. 

Notwithstanding the loss of Fort Mifflin, Washington was very 
unwilling to abandon Fort Mercer, knowing that the northern re- 
inforcement must soon arrive ; to accelerate whose progress, he 
had some time before despatched lieutenant colonel Hamilton. He 



Southern Department of the United States. 29 

consequent!} determined to counteract lord Cornwallis's operations, 
who, .itb.T iJonop's repulse, l)ad been deiached across the Dela- 
ware Wiih a respectable force, and was now movin|j upon Fort 
Mercer. To this end, major general Greene, by his order, enter- 
ed New Jersey with a considerable detachment, to be strengthen- 
ed by the first division of the troops ex[)ected from the north. 
Disappointed in the promised aid, and very inferior to his enemy 
in number, who h;id been reinforced in his march by troops just 
arrived from New York, Greene could not act oflleu'^ively : the 
Novem. Fort of Red Bank was consequently evacuated ; and the 
ISth. two generals rejoined without delay their respective 
leaders.* 

Washington, soon after sir William Howe retired from German- 
town, had advanced, as before mentioned, to VVhi e M.irsh, within 
reach of the enemy ; a strong position, rendered stronger by the 
application of art and labour, wherever requisite. On the return 
of lord Cornvvaliis (Vom New Jersey, the British general resolved 
to bring the American army to battle ; with which view lie moved 
from Philadelphia on the 4th of December, and took post on Ches- 
nut Hill, distant three miles from White Marsh. Here he passed 
two days, making many demonstrations of a general assault. On 
the third he changed his ground, and encamped in front of our left, 
the most vulnerable part of W.ishingiun's position, as it might have 
been turned by pursuing the old Yoik road ; which measure would 
infallihiy have produced battle, or have foiced retreat. Here the 
British general renewed his demonstrations of assault ; and lord 
Cornvvaliis engaged the light troops on our left flunk, who were 
drivtmin, after a sharp rencontre, in which major Morris, of New 
Jersey, was mortally wounded. This officer's distinguished merit 
had pointed him out to the commander in chief, as peculiarly cal- 
culated for the rifle regiment, made up with a view to the most 
perilous and severe service, and which had, under its celebrated 
colonel (Morgan,) eminently maintained its renown in the late try- 
ing scenes of the memorable campugn in the nort!) ; in all of which 
Morris bore a conspicuous part. His loss was deeply felt, and 
unfversally regretted, being admired for his exemplary courage, 
and beloved for his kindness and benevolence. This skirmish con- 
cluded the manifestations of battle exhibited by Howe. He re- 
turned to Philadelphia, unequivocally acknowledging by his retreat, 
that his adversary had at length attained a size which forbade the 
risk of batvle on ground chosen by himself.t 

Truth, spoken in terms so imperative, would have conveyed to 
the Bnli-h minister salutary admonition, had his mind been 0j»eu 
to its reception. This was the period for the restoration of the 

* Glover's brigade, the van of the northern reinforcement, did not, as was 
expected, read) major general Greene ; whereas lord Cornwallis united to his 
corps a rcinforcenieiii iHtely arrived in '-'le river Iro.o New York. 

+ Wasliingtoii, on receiving intelligence of Howe's retreai, said, •' Better 
would it have been for sir William Howe to have fought without victory, thdu 
thus to declare his inabiliry." 



30 Memoir^ of the War in the 

blessings of peace ; and the loss of one army, with the late une- 
quivocal declaration* of the British commander in chief, onght to 
have led to the acknowledgement of onr independence, and to the 
renewal of amity, with preferential commercial intercourse ; thus 
saving the useless waste of blood and treasure which followed, 
stoppiixg the increase of irritation which twenty years of peace 
have not eradicated, and preventing the alliance soon after effect- 
ed, between their ancient enemy and these states — the prolitic 
parent of great and growing ills to Great Britain and to America. 



H. 



CHAPTER Vlll. 



.OWE'S abandonment of the field, and the rigour of the sea- 
son, induced the American general to prepare for winter quar- 
ters. Comparing the various plans suggested by his own compre- 
hensive mind, and by the assisting care of those around him, he 
adopted a novel experiment, the issue of which gave increase of 
fame to his already highly honoured name. He determined to hold 
his main force in one compact body, and to place some light troops, 
horseand foot, with corps of militia in his front, contiguous to the en- 
emy, for the double purpose of defending the farmer from the out- 
ragcB of marauders, and of securing to himself quick information of 
any material movement in the enemy's ramp. He selected for his 
winter position Valley Forge, which lies on the western side of the 
Schuylkill, convenient to the rich country of Lancaster and Read- 
ing, and in the first step of the ascent of hills, which reach to 
the North Mountain or Blue Ridge. It possessed every advantage 
which strength of ground or salubrity of climate could bestow. 
Here, by the hands of his soldieis, he erected a town of huts, 
which afforded a comfortable shelter from the inclemency of the 
season, and strengthened his position by all the help of art and 
industry. This work, of his selection, soon evinced its prefer 
ence to the common mode of cantonment in contiguous towns and 
villages. 

Close under the eye of the officer, and Hir from the scenes of 
delight, the hardy character of the troops did notdegenerate by effemi- 
nate indulgences, but was rather confirmed by unremitting attention 
to the acquirement of military knowledge, and the manly exercises pro- 
per for a camp. Intent upon bringing his army to a thorough know- 
ledge of the most approved system of tactics, the American general 
adopted the means most likely to produce this essential effect, watch- 
ing and encouraging ^viih care and indulgence his beloved troops in 
their progress, always tenderly mindful of the preservation of their 
health ; as ou their fidelity, skill, and courage, his oppressed country 

* There are two sorts of victory,— -lliat, generally understood, when two 
armies meet, figlit, aiifl when one yields to ihe other ; or, when the object of 
contest is given up without battle, by valuntary relinauishment, as wos novr 
the ease, ratber tl.'aii risk battle. 



Southern Department of the United States. 31 

rested for relief and safety. He not only enforced rigid attention to all 
those regulations and usages generally adopted to keep ofl disease, but 
determined to risk ll>e critical and eflectual measure of extinguish- 
ing the smallpox in his army ; whose pestilential rage had already 
too often thinned its ranks, and deleated the most important enter- 
prises. Preparations to accomplish this wise resolution having beeo 
made with all possible secrecy, the period of the winter, most op- 
posed to military operations, was selected for its introduction in 
succession to the several divisions of the army ; and, what is really 
surprising, nearly one half of the lroo})S had gone through the dis- 
ease, before the enemy became apprised of its commencement. 

While Washington was engaged, without cessation, to perfect 
his army in the art of war, and to place it out of the reach of that 
contagious malady so fat.d to man, sir William was indulging, 
with his brave troops, in all the sweets of luxury and pleasure to 
be drawn from the wealthy and populous city of Philadelphia ; nor 
did he once attempt to disturb that repose, now so essential to the 
American general. Thus passed the winter ; and the approaching 
spring brought with it the recall of the commander ol the British 
army ; who was succeeded by sir Henry Clinton, heretofore hia 
second * 

It is impossible to pass over this period of the American war 
without g'ving vent to some of those reflections which it necessari- 
ly excites. Sir William Howe was considered one of the best 
soldiers in England, when charged witli the important trust of sub- 
duing the revolted colonies. Never did a British general, in any 
period of that uation. command an aimy better fitted to insure suc- 
cess than the one submitted to his direction, whether we regard 
its comparative strength with that opposed to it, the skill of the 
oliicers, the discipline and courage of the soldiers, the adequacy 
of all the implements and munitions of war, and the abundance of 
the best supplies of every sort. In addition, his brother lord Howe 
commanded a powerful fleet on our coast, for the purpose of sub- 
serving the views, and supporting the measures, of the commander 
in chief. Passing over tiie criminal supineness which marked his 
conduct after the battle of Long Island, and the fatal mistake of 
the plan of the campaign in 1777, (the first and leading feature of 
which ought to have been junction with Burgoyne and the undis- 
turbed possession of the North river) we must be permitted to look 
at him with scrutinous though impartial eyes, when pursuing hia 
own object, and directed by his own judgment, after his disem- 
barkation at the head of the Chesapeake. 

We find him continuing to omit pressing the various advantages 
he dearly gained, from time l& time. He was ever ready to appeal 

* After sir William Howe returned hoiiin, a parliamentary inquiry was made 
into his coiuluct upon a motion of his brother, Hflniiiiil lorfl Howe, which was 
ill a little while dropped. It plainly appears, fioin tiie docuineiits exhibited, 
that sir William Howe's plans were conlially adopi^'d iiy ilie minister, and that 
he was as cordially supported by goveiUiMeiii in whatever he desired.— See 
ptirliaaientary debates for 1T79. 



32 Memoirs of the War in the 

to the sword, and but once retired from his enemy. But he i\oes 
not seem to have known, that to win a victory was but the first 
stei* in the actions of a great captain. To improve it. is as e^.-^cntial ; 
sind unless the tirst is tbllowed by the second, the conqueror ill re- 
quites those brave companions of his toils and perils, to whose dis- 
regard of difficulties and contempt of death, he is so much indebt- 
ed for the laurel which entwines his brow ; and basely neglects his 
duty to his country, whose coutidence in his zeal for her good, had 
induced her to couimit to his keeping, her fame and interest. • 

After his victory at Braodywme, he was, by his own official 
statement, less injured than his adversary ; yet with many of his 
corps, entire and iVesh, we liud him wasting three precious days, 
with the sole ostensible object of sending his wounded to Wilming- 
ton. Surely the df^tachment, charged with this service, was as 
adequate to tiieir protection on the tield ot battle, as afterwards on 
the iiarch ; and certainly it required no great exertion of mind to 
have made this arrangement in tiie course of one hour, and to have 
pursued his beaten foe, after the retreshraents and repose enjoyed 
in oup night. This was omitted. He adhered to the same course 
of conduct Jitter the battle ot" Germantown, when the ill boding 
tidings, from the northern warfare, emphatically called upon him 
to press his victor3(, in order to compensate for the heavy loss 
likely to be sustained b_y 'he captivity of Burgoyne and his, army. 
But what is surprising, still more, after the Delaware was restor- 
ed to his use, and the commumcauon with the fleet completely 
enjoyed he relinquished his resolution of tighting Washington 
at VVhite Marsh, having ascertained, by his personal observation, 
that no material difficulty presented itself on the old York road ; 
by which route he could, with facility, have turned Washington's 
left, and have compelled him to a change of position with battle, or 
to a perilous retreat. And last, though not least in magnitude, 
knowing as sir William ought to have known, the sufl'erings and 
wants of every kind to which Washington was exposed at Valley 
Forge, as well as that his army was under inoculation for the small- 
pox, while he himself was so abundantly supplied with every ar- 
ticle requisite to give warmth and comfort to hi^ troops, it is won- 
derful how he could omit venturing a winter campaign, to him pro- 
mising every advantage, and to his antagonist, menacing every ill — 
this too, when the fate of Burgoyne was no longer doubtful, and 
its adverse intluence on foreign powers unquestionable, unless bal- 
anced by some grand and daring stroke on his part. The only plan 
practicable was that above suggested ; an experiment urged by all 
the considerations which ever can command high-spirited enter- 
prise. 

These are undeniable truths ; and they involve an inquisitive 
mVv\ in a perplexity, not easy to be untangled. It would be absurd 
to iu'iute this conduct to a want of courage in sir William *-towe ; 
for all acknowledge that he eminently possessed that quality. Nor 
can it be justly ascribed to either indolence of disposition, or a 
habit of sacrilicing his duties to ease ; fur he possessed a robust 



Southern Department of the United States, S$ 

(ly, with an active mind, and^ although a man of pleasure, subdu- 
i. when necessary, its captivating allurements with tacility. Ta 
vpKun it, as sonip, have done, by supposing hitn fnrndly to the re= 
/oiiilion, atul therefore to connive at it? success, would be eqnriHy 
stupid and unjust; for no part of sir William's life i'^ stained with 
a smt^le departure from the line of honour. Moreover, Irriitors 
are not to be found among British generals ; whose fidelity is se- 
cured by educaliou, by tbeir grade and importance in society, and 
by tiie magnificent rewards of uovemment sure to toHow di.«tih- 
gui-hed efT'irts. The severe admoi'ition, which sir William had 
received from the disastrous b;if(Ie of Bunker's, or rather Breed's, 
Hill, t'urnishes the most probable explanation of this mys'terious 
inertness. On that occasion, he comman'led a body of chosea 
troops, inured to discipline, and nearly double in nuroberto his foe; 
possessing artillery in abundance, prepared in the best manner ; 
witti an army at hand ready to reinforce him. and led by officers, 
many of whom had seen service, alt ol whom had been bred to 
arms. His enemy was a corps of peasants, who, for the fiist 
time, were unsheaihing their swords ; without artillery ; defectively 
armed witl: fowling pieces, and muskets without bayoiids ; destitute 
of that cheering comibrt, with which experience animates the sol- 
dier ; with no other works than a slight redoubt, and a slighter 
trench, terminating in a yet slighter breast work 

Sir William found this fieeble enemy posted on the margin, and 
along the acclivity of the hill, commanded by colonel Prescot,* 
then unknown to fame : yet sir William beheld these brave yeo- 
men — while the conflagration of a town was blazing in their facis, 
while iheir flanks were exposed to maritime annoyance, and their 
front was assailed by regulars in proud array under the protection 
of cannon in full discharge — receive the terrible shock with firm- 
ness, coojy await his near approach, and then resolutely pour in a 
charge, which disciplined courage could not sustain He saw his 
gallant troops fly — afterwards brought to rally with their colours, 
and, indignant at \he repulse, return with redoubled fury. Sir 
William again saw these daring countrymen, unappalled in heart, 
unbroken in line, true to their generous leader and their ijbred 
valour, calmly reserving themselves for the fatal moment, when ids 
close advance presented an opportunity ol winging every ball with 

* The honour conferred upon colonel Prescot was only a promotion in the 
army soon after established ; and this, the writer was informed by a gentleman 
residing in Boston who was well, acquainted with colonel Prescot, consisted only 
in the grade of lieutenant colonel, in a regiment of infantry. Considering him- 
self entitled to a regiment, the hero of Breed's Hill would not accept a second 
station. , Warren, v\ho fell nobly supporting the action, was the favourite of 
the day, and lias engrossed the fame due to Prescot. Bunker's Hill too has 
been considered as the field ol battle, when it is well known that it was lought 
upon Breed's Hill, the nearest of the two hills to Boston. No man reveres the 
character of Warren more than the writer; and he considers himself not only, 
by his obedience to truth, doing justice to colonel Prescot, but perforpiing an • 
acceptable service to the memory of the illustrious Warisr., v,/.o. bc-ing a r'aJly 
^Tcat man. would disdain to Avcar laurels not his own, 
5 



S% Memoirs of the War i7i the 

death. Again the British soldiers, with the pupil of the immortal 
Wolfe at their head, sought safety in flight. Restoring his troops 
to order, bir William Howe advanced the third lime, supported by 
Daval cooperation, and » large battery on the side of Boston, which 
had now nearly demolished our slender defences. Notwithstand- 
ing this tremendous combination, sir William saw his gallant enemy 
naintain their ground, without prospect of succour, until their am- 
munition was nearly expended : then, abandoning their works as 
the British entered them, they took the only route open to their 
escape with decision and celerity. 

The sad and impressive experience of this murderous day sunk 
deep into the mind of sir William Howe ; and it seems to have had 
its influence, on all his subsequent operations, with decisive con- 
trol. In one inst^mce only did he ever after depart from the most 
pointed circumspection ; and that was in the assault on Red Bank, 
from bis folicitude to restore the navigation of the Delaware deem- 
ed essential to the safety of his army. The doleful issue of this 
single departure renewed the solemn advice inculcated at Breed's 
Hill, and extinguished his spirit of enterprise. This is the only 
way in which, it seems to me, the mysterious inertness which mark- 
ed the conduct of the British general, so fatal in its effect to the 
Britji-h cause, can be intelligibly solved. 

The military annals of the world rarely furnish an achievment 
which equals the firmness and courage displayed on that proud day 
by the gallant band of Americans ; and it certainly stands first in 
the brilliant events of our war. 

When future generations shall inquire, where are the men who 
gained the highest prige of glory in the arduous contest which 
ushered in our nation's birth — upon Prescot and his companions io 
arms will the eye of history beam. 



CHAPTER IX. 

l5lIR Henry Clinton* had no sooner assumed the command in 
chief, than he began to prepare for the evacuation of Philadelphia, 
which was readily effected with his maritime assistance. Having 
put on beard his ships every thing too heavy and cumbrous for land 
transportation, with the superfluous baggage of his army, he passed 
the river from the city, on the 18th of .lune, completely prepared 
for the diflicult retreat it became his du^y to undertake. 

Washington, early apprised of the intended movement, gradually 
drew near to the Delaware, in the vicinity of Corryell's ferry, wait- 
ing for the unequivocal demonstration of the enemy's intention, 
before he ventured to leave Pennsylvania. In the mean time, he 

•Sir Henry Clinton had served in the war of 1755 under Prince Ferdinand ; 
into whose family he was introduced, and continued as aid-de-camp to the. 
jlrince throughout the war, highly respected and esteemed. 



Southern Department of the United States. 35 

collected his scanty means of water transportation to the points on 
the river most convenient for his passage, and prepared himself for 
quick movement. The I'estoration ofthe metropolis of the Union, to 
its rightful possessors, was as unimpressive in it? general etfect on 
the American mind, as had been its relinqnishment to sir William 
Howe some months before. Congress, who had left it with some 
precipitation, on the approach of the enemy, assembled at York 
Town, one hundred Iniles west of the city, where having continued 
to hold its session, thai body now returned to Philadelphia. 

The loss of towns began to be properly un lerstood in America : 
experience more and more illustrated, the ilifference between the 
same events in our thinly settled country, and the populous regions 
of Europe. 

Clinton pursued his retreat slowly, betraying no symptoms of 
precipitation, but rather indicating a disposition tor battle. Such 
conduct on his part was wise, and worthy of the pupil of prince 
Ferdinand. Having reached Mount Holly, he pointed his march 
to Brunswick : whether this was the route preferred by him, or 
such demonstration was made only to throw Washington more to 
his left, and further distant from the route he ultimately took, and 
which perhaps was that of his original choice, rem^iins unascertain- 
ed It appears evidently from the movements of the American 
general, that he accredited the demonstrations made by his enemy 
towards Brunswick, never however, putting himself too far to the 
left, should Clinton suddenly turn towards South Amboy or the 
heights of Middletown — the only lines of retreat left, should that 
to Brunswick be relinquished Washington passed the Delaware 
three or four days after Clinton had crossed that river, and was 
nearer to either point of retreat, than was the British general. 
The Fabius of America, made up, as has been before observed, of 
great caution with superior enterprise, indulged the most anxious 
desire, to close with his antagonist in general action. ' Apposed to 
his wishes was the advice of his general officers : to this, he for a 
time yielded ; but as soon as tie discovered that the enemy had 
reached Monmouth court-house, not more than twelve miles from 
the heights of Middletown, he determined that he should not e«c ipe 
without a blow. He therefore selected a body of troops, and plac- 
ing them under the order of the marquis de la Fayette, (a French 
nobleman, whose zeal to acquire renown in arms had brought him 
to the tented fields of America) directed that ofhcer to approach 
close to the foe, and to seize any advantageous occurrence for his 
annoyance, himself following ivith the main body in supporting dis- 
tance. The marquis was young, generous, and brave , and, like 
most of his brother generals, yet little versed in the art of war. 
It was certainly a high trust to be confided to the young and capti- 
vating foreigner, though afterwards well justified by tiis conduct 
throughout the war. Nothing is more dangerous t^i.in lo tiang with 
an inferior force upon a gallant enemy, never dij^inciined to draw 
his sword, and walchlul to seize every advantage within his reach. 
Soon after Fayette moved, a second corps was ordered to join him ; 



SB Memoirs of the War in the 

and the united body was placed under the command of major gene- 
ral Lee,* for the express purpose of bringing on battle, should the 
enemy still continue in his position at Monmouth court house. In 
this oflicer was combined long and varied experience, with a pro- 
found military genius. He held too, not only the peculiar confi- 
dence of the commander in chief, but that of congress, the nation, 
and the army. On approaching Englishtown, a small village seven 
miles from the court-house, where sir Henry continued in his camp, 
he learned, that ihe enemy., having held back the elite of his army, 
was determined to cover Kniphausen, who, charged with the care 
of the baggage, was on his march to the heights of Middletown. 
Here he received orders from Washington to strike at the British 
rear, unless "strong reasons" forbade it ; at the same time advising 
him of his approach to support him. Continuing to ad- 1778*. 
vance, he discovered the enemy in motion. Clinton, hav- June 
ing perceived various bodies of troops moving on his 28th. 
flanks, and apprehending that the column with his baggage might be 
grossly insulted, if not seriously injured, wisely resolved, by a for- 
ward movement, to check further pursuit. Cornvvallis, who led 
the van troops, advanced upon Lee. This officer, concluding that 
he should most effectually answer the object of Washington by 
drawing the enemy to him, thus inducing the foe to expend l>is 
bodily strength, while he saved that of the American army, in a 
day of uncommon heat, instantly began to retrograde ; to take which 
step he was additionally induced by discerning that the corps on 
his flank, under brigadier Scott, had repassed the ravine in his rear. 
This country abounds with defiles of a peculiar sort : the valleys 
are cut by small rivulets with marshy grounds, difficult to man and 
horse, and impracticable to artillery, except in particular spots. 
Such was the one in Lee's rear, which Scott had passed. Perse- 
vering in his decision to join, rather than recal Scott, he continued 
to retire, making good his retreat without injury, and exposing his 
person to every danger. At this moment Washington came up, 
and finding his orders disobeyed, required explanation from general 
Lee with warmth. Unhappily Lee took off^ence at the manner in 
which he had been accosted, and replied unbecomingly, instead of 
entering into that full explanation, which his own honour, duty to 
his superior, and the good of his country, demanded. Such con- 
duct in an inferior officer could not be brooked ; and met, as it 
merited, marked disapprobation. As soon as Lee perceived it pro- 
per to deviate from his instructions, he certainly ought to have 
advised the commander in chief of such deviation, with the reasons 
which produced it. Thus acting he would probably have received 
commendation ; and a combined attack, founded upon the full re- 
presentation of the relative state of himself and the enemy, might 
have led to the happiest result. 

This communication was neglected ; and Lee was ordered into 
the rear, while the army moved on to battle. The action shortly 

* Chavkf Lee, secoi d in command of tji? army, see appendix. 



Southern Department of the United States. 37 

after commenced ; the day was remarkably sultry ; and the Ameri- 
can army considerably fatigued by its previous march. 

The battle was, nevertheless, contested with peculiar keenness, 
and ceased in the evening as if by mutual consent. The American 
general determined to renew it in the morning, while sir Henry 
Clinton was as determined to avoid it.* 

Judging from the official statements which were published, the 
loss was tritlmg and not very unequal ; but the " stubborn fact" of 
burying the dead, manifests a great error in the report made by sir 
Henry Clinton to his government. He rated his dead and missing 
at one hundred and eighty-eight ; whereas, we buried on the field 
of battle t»vo hundred and forty-nine. Both sides claimed the victo- 
ry, as is commonly the case when the issue is not decisive. With- 
out doubt, sir Henry Clinton obtained his object, security from fur- 
ther molestation, and the completion of his retreat. This, howev- 
er, was effected not in the usual style of conquerors, but by decamp- 
ing in the night, and hastily joining Kniphausen, who had reached 
the heights of Middletown, near to the place of embarkation, and 
secure from assault. It must be admitted, on a full view of the 
action, that the palm of victor}' clearly belonged to Washington, 
although it was not decisive, nor susceptible of improvement. 

Having rested his army a few days in the position of Middletown, 
the British general embarked in the transports waiting his arrival, 
and soon reached New York. Washington, after paying his last 
respects to the dead, and tenderly providmg for the wounded, mov- 
ed by easy marches to the Hudson, co,mforting, by every means in 
his power, his faithful troops, and once more took his favourite 
position near the western shore of that river, which was always 
considered by him as the point of connexion to the two extremes 
of the Union. 

Major general Lee was arrested upon sundry charges, tried, 
found guilty, and sentenced to be suspended from his command in 

*The enemy having united his columns on the heights of Middletown, an at- 
tempt to dislodge him would have been blind temerity. Had sir Henry Clinton 
not possessed this vast advantage, the victory would have been improved ; and 
in any other period of the retreat might have been made decisive in all pro- 
bability. 

General Lee, in a letter dated Englishtown, June 28th, gives the followin* 
account of the battle of Monniouth. 

" What the devil brought us into this level country, (the very element of the 
enemy) or what interest we can have (in our present circumsta^ices) to hazard 
an action, somebody else must tell you, for I cannot. I was yesterday ordered 
(for it was against my opinion and inclination) to engage. I did, with my divi- 
sion, which consisted of about four tliousaud men. The troops, both men and 
officers, showed the greatest valour: the artillery did wonders; but we were 
outnumbered ; particularly in cavalry, which was, at twenty different limes, on 
the point of turning completely our flanks. This consideration naturally oblig- 
ed us to retreat ; but the relreat did us, I will venture to say, great honour. It 
was performed with all the order and coolness which can be srhu on a common 
lield day. Not a man or officer hastened his step, but one regiment regularly 
filed off from llie front to the rear of the other. I'he thanks I received from his 
excellency were of a smgnlar nature. I can demonstrate that had I not acted 
as I did, this army, and perhaps America, would have been ruined.'' 



Memoirs of the War in the 



the army for one year. The effect of which was. that the veteran 
soldier who had rehoquished his native country, to support a cati-^e 
dear to his heart, became lost lO that of his adoption, and soon after 
lost to him«iplf; as the few years he survived seem to have been 
passed in devotion to the sway of those human tormentors, e ivy 
and hate. The records of the court-martial manifest on their (ice 
the error of the sentence ; and it is wonderful how men of honour 
and of sense could thus commit themselves to the censures of the 
independent and impartial- If general Lee had been guilty ol" all 
the charges as affirmed by their decision, his life was forfeited ; and 
its sacrifice only could have atoned for his criminality. He ought 
to have been cashiered and shot ; instead of which the mild sen- 
tence of suspension, for a short time, was the punishment inflicted. 
The truth is, the unfortunate general was only guilty of neglect in 
not making timely communication of his departure ffom orders, 
subject to his discretion, to the commander in chief, which consti- 
tuted no part of the charges against him. This was certainly a 
very culpable omission ; to which was afterwards added personal 
disrespect, where the utmost respect w^s not only due, bnt enjoin- 
ed by martial law, and enforced by the state of things : two armies 
upon the very brink of battle, himself intrusted with the direction 
of an important portion of one of them, for the very purpose of 
leading into action, to withhold the necessary explanations fron his 
chief, and to set the example of insubordmation by his mode of 
reply to an interrogatory, indispenBably though warmly, put to him, 
merited punishment. But this offence was different, fir different 
from " disobedience to orders," or " a shameful retreat ;" neither 
of which charges were supported by testimony ; and both of which 
were contradicted by fact. 

Soon aftei sir Henry Clinton's return to New York, the first 
result of the alliance concluded during the preceding winter at 
Paris, betvvecn the United States and his most christian majesty, 
announced itself in decisive operations on the part of the French 
monarch. 

Admiral d'Estaing sailed from France in the beginning of the 
summer, for the American coast, to co-operate with the American 
army ; and would have arrived in time to stop lord Howe in the 
Delaware, as was intended, had not his voyage been greatly retard- 
ed by the unusual continuance of contrary winds The arrival ©f 
the fleet of our ally, though unproductive of the immediate effects 
expected, the destruction of the enemy's fleet in the Delaware, 
gave birth to new and interesting enterprises ; the relation of 
which, not coming within the scope of this work, mu=t necessarily 
be omitted. In the cursory survey taken, my single object has 
heen, to present to the reader a lucid and connected statement of 
those transactions which bear in any degree upon the southern war, 
either by their own relation, or by their introduction of characters, 
destined to act principal parts upon that theatre. 



Southern Department of the United States. 30 



CHAPTER X. 



A! 



. LTHOUGH the surrender of Burgoyne, and Howe's declining to 
execute his menaced attack upon his adversary at White Marsh, did 
not convince the British Minister of the futility of his attempt to 
subjugate these States, it produced a change in the temper of the 
cabinet An idle and fruitless essay was made to reconcile the re- 
volted colonies : idle, because too late ; and fruitless, because found- 
ed on the revocation of their independence. Little minds always, 
in difficulty, resort to cunning, miscalling it wisdom : this quality 
seems to have been predominant in the cabinet of Great Britain, 
and was alike conspicuous in its eflorts to coerce, and in its prof- 
fers to conciliate. 

Lord North was premier and first lord of the treasury. Heavy 
in mind as in body, dexterous in the management of the house of 
commons, dead to all those feelings whose infusion, into the mass of 
the people, gives comfort to the ruled, and strength to the ruler ; 
cherishing with ardour the prerogative of the king, restricting 
with stubbornness the rights of the people ; he seems never to 
have discerned that the only way to make the monarch great, 
is to make the subject happy — in finance rather systematic, 
plodding and adroit, than origitjal, deep and comprehensive — in 
parliament decent, sensible, and laborious, witli some of the glit- 
ter of wit, but with none of the effulgence and majesty of elo- 
quence — in private life amiable and exemplary, better qualified 
for the enjoyments of its tranquil scenes, than to direct, in the 
storm of war, the helm of a brave, intelligent, powerful nation. 
The minister, in addition to the diflkulties growing out of his own 
inadequacy, had to contend with obstacles inherent in the nature of 
the conflict, and powerful in their effect. Slavery, however dress- 
ed, is loathsome to the British palate ; and the attempt to deprive 
America of her birth right, never could be cordially relished, al- 
though ostensibly supported. This innate abhorrence formed a 
current against administration, constant though slow, puissant though 
calm. Nor were statesmen wanting who proclaimed, with resist- 
less force, the danger to British liberty from American slavery. 
At the head of this patriot band, stood the mighty Chatham. Tow- 
ering in genius, superb in eloquence, decisive in council, bold in 
action, loving England first and England always, adored by the mass 
of the people, and dreaded by the enemies of English liberty, he 
unceasingly cherished the good old cause, for which Hampden fought, 
and Sidney bled. The premier, driven from his original purpose, 
by events resulting from his liberli-cide system, had not that sub- 
limity of mind, which can renounce error with dignity, and turn 
calamity to account ; or he would ere now have closed his vain and 
wasting war, by the aoknotvledi^ment of our independence, restor- 
ing and riveting our commercial intercourse. 

Despairing of the subjugation of all the stales, he determined to 
apply his disposable force to the reduction of the weakest portion 



40 Memoirs of the WcCr in the 

of the Union. With this view sir Henry Clinton, on his return to 
New York, began to make arrangements for a plan of operation 
to be executed as soon as the French fleet should quit the Amer- 
ican coast. 

The count d'Estaing sailed from Boston, for the West Indies, on 
the 3d of November ; soon after which lieutenant colonel Camp- 
bell was detached with three thousand men for the reduction of 
Georgia ; orders having been despatched to brigadier general Pre- 
vost, commanding the British troops in East Florida, which aojoins 
the State of Georgia on the southwest, to invade it from that quar- 
ter, and to assume the directions of the united detachments. 



Si 



CHAPTER XI. 



iINCE the expedition under sir Henry Clinton, in 1776, against 
Charleston, which had been completely baffled by the judiciousiar- 
rangements o( major general Lee, seconded by the gallant defence 
of Fort Moultrie, by the excellent officer whose name it bears, then 
a colonel in the South Carolina line, the southern states had remain- 
ed safe from hostile interruption, with the exception of some light 
predatory incursions from East Florida 

The squadron conveying lieutenant colonel Campbell appeared off 
1778. the Tybee river in the latter part of December ; and 

Dec. 29. no time was lost by that active otlicer in effecting his de- 
barkation, which took place on the 29th at Gerridge's plantation, 
twelve miles up the river, and three miles below Savannah, the cap- 
ital of the State, situated on the south side of the river Savannah. 

Major general Robert Howe commanded the American force in 
Georgia, consisting of some regulars, and such portion of the mili- 
tia as he might be able to collect. At this period it is supposed he 
had under him one thousand and five hundred men, having conside- 
rably reduced his effective strength by an unsuccessful expedition 
to East Florida, from wliich he had just returned, and was now en- 
camped in a position which seems to have been judiciously selected, 
one half mile from the town of Savannah, across the main road lead- 
ing to it. 

The ground was well adapted to his force, and was secured by 
advantages of art and nature. At a small distance in his front, ex- 
tending parallel to it, was a lagoon, through which the road passed. 
The bridge over the rivulet, running through the lagoon, was de- 
stroyed to retard the enemy's advance. His right was covered by 
a morass, thick set with woods, and interspersed with some houses 
occupied by riflemen ; his left rested on the swamps of the river ; 
and his rear was sustained by the town and old works of Savannah. 
To give additional strength to his position, he dug a trench from one 
morass to the other, a small distance in his front. 

Thus posted, the American general coolly waited the approach 
iUg attack with his inferior force. 



Southern Department of the United States. 41 

A small skirmish ensued as the British van emerged out of the low 
grounds ; in which captain Campbell, of the 17th regiment, fell, 
much regretted. 

The lieutenant colonel, having landed with the first division, oc- 
cupied himself with preparations for action. While reconnoitring 
our position, he accidentally learned, that a by-path within his view 
led through the swamp to our rear. Intelligence so acceptable was 
instantly applied to his plan of battle. 

Having arrayed his troops in our front, sir James Baird* was de- 
tached with the light infantry and the New York volunteers to gain 
our rear by moving occultly along the accidentally discovered path. 

Waiting the effect of this operation, thp Rrifish continued quiet in 
line of battle. Very soon sir James reached his destined point ; 
when issuing out of the swamp he charged a body of militia station- 
ed in our rear. This was the signal for general assault. The Bri- 
tish line advanced with promptitude, driving our troops, broken and 
embarrassed by this unexpected attack in the rear, from their ground. 
The defeat was instantaneous and decisive. Howe was pursued 
through Savannah, tind with a small part of his army escaped into 
South Carolina, losing before night five hundred and fifty men, kill- 
ed and taken, with his artillery and baggage. 

Never was a victory of such magnitude so completely gained, with 
so little loss, amounting only to seven killed and nineteen wounded. 
The town, fort, cannon, shipping and stores of every kind, fell into 
the hands of the victor : whose conduct to the inhabitants was pecu- 
liarly kind and amiable. 

General Howe was, after a considerable lapse of time, brought 
before a court of inquiry, and acquitted. 

However we must applaud the judgment displayed by the Amer- 
ican general in selecting and improving his position ; however we 
must honour his gallant determination to receive the enemy's attack, 
with an inferior force ; yet, as this resolution, in prudence,, must 
have been formed in the advantages of his ground, we cannot ex- 
cuse the negligence betrayed by his ignorance of the avenues lead* 
ing to his camp. 

How happens it that he, who had been in command in that coun- 
try for many months, should not have discovered the by-way pass- 
ing to his rear, when lieutenant colonel Campbell contrived to dis- 
cover it in a few hours ? The faithful historian cannot withhold his 
condemnation of such supineness. Thus it is, that the lives of 
brave men are exposed, and the public interest sacrificed. Yet 
notwithstanding such severe admonitions, rarely does government 
honour with its confidence, the man whose merit is his sole title to 
preference : the weight of powerful connexions, or the arts of in- 
triguing courtiers, too often bear down, unsupport-ed though trans- 
cendent, worth. 

Brigadier general Prevost, having entered Georgia in conformity 
with his orders, invested Sunbury, which he soon compelled to sur- 
render. Having placed a garrison in the fort, the brigadier contin- 

*Tllt9 officer has since been extern'ivcly employed, anjl muqb distinguished,, 
6 



42 Memoirs of the War in the 

ued his march to Savannah, and took upon himself the command of 
the united forces. He detached lieutenant colonel Camphell to Au- 
gusta, then a frontier town, and, like Savannah, situated on 1779. 
the southern banks of the same river. Meeting with no resistance, 
Campbell readily effected his object by possessing himself of the 
town. Thus in the short period of one month, was the Feb. 1 
state of Georgia restored to the British crown. 

General Prevost persevered in the lenient course adopted by 
lieutenant colonel Campbell, spuring the property, and protecting 
the persons of the vanquished. Nor was he disappointed in the re- 
ward due to policy, so virtuous and wise. 

The affections of the people w«ie cnliste<l on the side of the 
conqueror ; and our youth flocked to the British standard. 

From Augusta lieutenant colonel Hamilton, of the Noilh Caroli- 
na regiment, advanced, with a suitable detachment, further west to 
crush all remaining resistance, and to encourage the loyalists to step 
forward and give their active aid in contirraing the establishment of 
royal authority. Every attempt to interrupt the progress of this 
officer was ineffectual ; and seven hundred loyalists imbodied with 
the determination to force their way to the British camp. 

Colonel Pickens, of the South Carolina militia, true to his coun- 
try, and correctly interpreting the movement under Hamilton, as- 
sembled his regiment and drew near to him for the purpose of 
counteracting his operations 

Finding this officer invulnerable, he suddenly turned from him 
to strike at the loyalists advancing towards Augusta. He fell in 
with them at Kettle creek, and instantly attacked them. The ac- 
tion was contested with zeal and firmness ; when colonel Boyd, the 
commander of the loyalists, fell ; and his death was soon followed 
by the route of his associates. Nevertheless, three hundred of the 
body contrived to effect their union with the British army. 

This single, though partial check, was the only interruption of 
the British success from the commencement of the invasion. 

The delegates in Congress, from the states of South Carolina and 
Georgia, had some time before urged the substitution of a more ex- 
perienced commander of the southern department* in the place of 
general Howe. 

This solemn application did not fail to engage the serious atten- 
tion of that respectable body. Not only was the desired substitu- 
tion made, but the states of Virginia and North Carolina 1778. 
were pressed, in the most forcible terms, to hasten sue- Sept. 25. 
cour to their afflicted sisters. 

North Carolina obeyed with promptitude the demand of Con- 
gress ; and two thousand of her militia, under generals Ashe and Ru- 
therford, reached Charleston before the expedition under lieuten- 
ant colonel Campbell was announced on the southern coast. But 
this auxiliary force was unarmed ; North Caroliia being very des- 
titute of that primary article of defence. South Carolina, more 

* The southern department comprehended Virginia, the two Carolinas, and 
Georgia lately Maryland and Delaware were added. 



Southern Department of the United States. \^ 

provident, because more attractive from the weajih concentered \<\ 
its capital, had in due time furnished herself with arms, but was in- 
disposed to place them out of her control, especially as it was then 
uncertain whether she might not be (he point of invasion. 

The zeal displayed by North Carolina, while it entitled her to 
commendation, was thus unproductive of the expected eflect. Nor 
until after the defeat of Howe was this force in readiness to repair 
to the theatre of action. 

Major general Lincoln, of Massachusetts, had been selected by 
congress in the place of Howe.* This officer was a soldier of the 
revolution ; his stock of experimental knowledge, of course, could 
not have been very considerable, although he had seen more ser- 
vice than most of our officers of ihe same standing. He had uni- 
formly possessed the confidence of Washington, who had often in- 
trusted him with important commands ; and he was second to Gates 
at Saratoga, greatly contributing by his judicious and spirited con- 
duct, to the happy issue of that momentous campaign. Upright, 
mild, and amiable, he was universally respected and beloved ; a 
truely good man, and a brave and prudent, but not consummate soldier. 
Lincoln hastened towards his post, and, having reached Charleston, 
bestowed his unremitted attention to the timely completion of the re- 
quisite arrangements for the defence of the south. 

Here he heard of the descent of lieutenant colonel Campbell, and 
the disastrous overthrow of Howe. Hurried by this event be quick- 
ly reached the confines of Georgia, and having united the 1779. 
remains of the defeated army, with the troops of the two Jan. 7. 
Carolinas, he established himself in Purysburg, a small village on 
the northern side of the Savannah, about fifteen miles above the capi- 
tal of Georgia. 

The British force under Prevost at this period is stated to have 
been nearly four thousand ; while that under Lincoln did not exceed 
three thousand and six hundred; of which, only eleven hundred 
were continentals.! The superiority of Prevost, especially in the 
quality of his troops, was in a great degree lost by their distribution, 
in different stations, from Savannah to Augusta, a distance of one 
hundred and forty miles. Nor would it have been a safe operation 
had his force been concentered, to pass the difficult river of Savan- 
nah, with its broad and deep swamps, in the face of Lincoln. The Bri- 
tish general, satistied for the present, with the possession of Georgia, 
devoted his mind and force to the preservation and confirmation of the 
fruits of his success. With this view, and to this end, he persevered 
in sustaining his long line of defence, although his enemy separated 
only by the river, kept his force compact. 

* General Howe joined the main army under the commander in chief, where 
he served to the end of the war. A. court of inquiry was held to investigate 
the cause of his defeat before Savannah, who reported favourably to the major 
general. 

t "Continentals" mean regular soldiers enlisted and paid under the author- 
ity of congress. The continental troops liad not seen service. Veing composed 
of the line of the Carolinas and Georgia, with the exception of the gallant de- 
fenders of Fort iVloultrie in 1776. 



44 Memoirs of the War in the 

About this time Prevost, availing himself of his naval aid, and of the , 
interior navigation, made an establishment on the island of Port Roy- 
al, under major Gardner, with two hundred men. The object of 
this inexplicable movement could not then be ascertained; nor has 
it since been developed. Colonel, now general Moultrie, soon dis- 
lodged Gardner, with considerable loss, and would have annihilated 
the detachment, had not the want of ammunition prevented the vic- 
tor from improving his advantage, The Charleston militia be- 
haved admirably in this affair. The captains, Barnwell, Heywaid, 
Rutledge, and lieutenant Wilkins, eminently distinguished them- 
selves : the latter officer was killed. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Feb. \jf ENERAL Lincoln, at length strengthened by consider- 
able reinforcements of the militia, came to the resolution of act^ 
ing offensively. 

A considerable detachment (nearly one thousand and five hun- 
dred, all militia, except one hundred regulars) was placed under 
the orders of general Ashe, who was directed to take post opposite 
to Augusta. Before Ashe reached the place of his destination, the 
British troops fell back from Augusta, and, crossing Brier Creek, 
encamped at Hudson's Ferry, twenty-four miles above Ebenezer, 
then the head-quarters of the royal army. 

The abandonment of Augusta very much gratified Lincoln, who 
was extremely anxious to cover the upper parts of the state, for 
the double purpose of reducing the enemy to narrower limits, and 
uniting to his arms the hardy sons of the west. He therefore or- 
Feb. dered Ashe to pass the river, and to place himself behind 
28th. Brier Creek, where it falls into the Savannah ; secured in 
his front by the creek, on his left by the river, he could only be 
assailed on his right. To enable him to explore accurately this 
quarter, a squadron of dragoons was annexed to his corps, and tq 
give to his condition the utmost activity, the baggage of the detach- 
ment was ordeied to be removed to the north side of the Savan- 
nah. 

General Prevost was not at a loss for the motives of this opera- 
tion, nor insensible to its consequences. 

He determined without del;jy to dislodge Ashe from the position 
he had taken. To conceal his real object, he made some demon- 
strations of crossing the Savannah with his main body, when the 
detachment prepared to strike at general Ashe, advanced upon 
Brier Creek, Major Macpherson openly moved alon^ the main 
road, and attracted, as was intended, the undeviating attention of 
the American brigadier, while lieutenant colonel Prevost. March 
by an occult march of fifty miles, forded the creek fifteen 4. 
miles above our position, and fell suddenly in its rear. Colonel 



Southern Department of the United States. 46 

Elbert, with the band of coDtioenials, made a brave but ineffectual 
stand They were made prisoners, and the whole body put to the 
rout, with the loss of" only five privates killed, and one officer and 
ten privates wounded Great was the loss on the side of Ameri- 
ca ; and, of those who did escape, only four hundred and fifty re- 
joined our army. 

Lieutenant colonel Prevost did honour to himself, by the hand- 
some manner in tvhich he accomplished the enterprise committed 
to his conduct. While commendation is justly bestowed upon the 
British officer, censure cannot be withheld from the American com- 
mandant. The flattering prospect of recovering a lost state vvas 
dashed to pieces in an instant, by the culpable inattention of aa 
officer, high in rank, highly entrusted, and imperatively summoned 
to tiike care that his country should not be injured by his negli- 
gence ; yet it was injured, and that too, while the late terrible 
blow, sustained from the same cause by general Howe, was fresh 
in recollection, and while the wounds there received were still 
bleeding. 

Relieved, by this decisive victory, of all apprehension hereto- 
fore entertained, of the stability of the change effected in Georgia, 
the British general re-established, by proclamation, the royal go- 
vernment, as it existed on the commencenient of the revolution, 
and renewed his endeavours to rekindle the spirit of loyalty, which 
had been very much damped by the victory of Perkins, the evacua- 
tion of Augusta, and the menacing movement of general Lincoln. 

Disaster upon disaster called for increased vigour in our coun- 
sels. This m^nly disposition happily ensued. John Rutledge, 
who had taken an early and distinguished part in the revolution, 
was called to the chair of government in South Carolina, and in- 
vested with dictatorial power. An accomplished gentleman, a pro- 
found statesman, a captivating orator, decisive in his measures, 
and inflexibly tirm, he infused his own lofty spirit into the general 
mass. The militia rallied around the American standard ; and 
general Lincoln soon found himself in strength to resume the judi- 
cious plan of holding Augusta and the upper country of Georgia. 

About this time the legislature of Georgia was to convene ia 
Augusta. To protect it was a weighty consideration with the 
American general, whose force had increased to live thousand men. 
Leaving, therefore, one thousand under general Moultrie, for the 
defence of the posts of Purysburg and the Black Swamp, Lincoln 
decansped on the 23d of April for Augusta. The British April 
general observed this movement, with those emotions it was 25. 
calculated to excite ; nor did he pause a moment in taking the re- 
solution to counteract it. To advance upon Augusta was the plan 
which caution suggested, and which policy dictated ; for, although 
inferior in numbers, he far excelled in the character of his troops, 
in the quality of his arms, and in the abundance of every thing 
requisite to preserve the health, strength, and spirit, of his soldiers. 
Battle, without delay, was the true system for a general thus situat- 
ed, more especially, as conquest, not defence, was his object. Be- 



46 Memoirs of the War in the 

lieving that he could compel Lincoln to relinquish his plan, with- 
out the hazard of engaging him, remote from a place of safety, and 
with inferior numbers, he determined to cross the Savannah, and 
to tnreaten Charleston. In a few days after Lincoln's decampment, 
the British general passed this river, and pressed with viu;our upon 
our posts of Purysburg and the Black Swamp, which were succes- 
sively evacuated. Driving general Moultrie before hira, Prevost 
continued to advance with rapidity. Moultrie sat down at Tulifin- 
ny bridge, leaving lieutenant colonel Laurens with a small party of 
continentals, and a body of the militia at Coosawhatchie bridge to 
defend that pass. Laurens executed his orders with zeal and gal- 
lantry, but at length was obliged to fall back upon iV'joultrie, his 
troops having suffered considerably, and himself having been wound- 
ed. Captain Shubrick conducted our retreat much to his honour. 
Communication of Prevost's passage across the river, and of his 
subsequent operations, was, from day to day, transmitted to the 
Ameiican commander, who, penetrating his enemy's design, sternly 
held bis original course, detaching three hundred light infantry un- 
der colonel Harris to general Moultrie. The unexpected facility 
with which the British general moved, the slight resistance oppos- 
ed to him, the favourable intelligence received, and the fame of 
the signal success which had heretofore crowned his exertions, 
from the first moment of the invasion, combined, produced a con- 
clusion in his favour too flattering to be resisted. 

He converted a feint into a fixed operation, and henceforward 
inarched on with the avowed purpose of seizing the metropolis of 
South Carolina. Nor was this avowal unsupported by appear- 
ances. For Lincoln, by steady adherence to his original purpose, 
founded on his just conviction, that the enemy's entrance into 
South Carolina meant nothing more than to draw him from Augusta, 
had now gone too far to return and afford timely interposition. 

Governor Rutledge, with the reserve militia, had established 
himself at Orangeburg, a central position, perfectly adapted to the 
convenient reception and distribution of this species offeree, which 
is ever in a state of undulation. 

He was fiir on Prevost's left, and, like Lincoln, was hors de 
combat. Moultrie only could gain the town : and Moultrie's self 
was a hflet ; but his force was not of that patient and stubborn sort, 
who would dig and fight, and fight and dig, systematically. Charles- 
ton, too, was unprepared for an attack by land, heretofore provid- 
ing defence on the water side only ; and as to this mode of protec- 
tion, through the blunder of sir Henry Clinton, and the gallantry 
of general Moultrie in 1776, the reputation of adequacy had been 
attached, the inhabitants reposed with confidence in their security 
until the unequivocal demonstration of general Prevost's intention 
with his rapid approach expelled their groundless belief. Here 
mark the fallibility of man ; observe the difference between the 
mediocre and the consummate soldier. The British General had 
been led, as before explained, to change stratagem into a fixed in- 
vasion. The boldness of the design, and the rapidity of its exe.- 



Southern Department of the United States, 47 

cution, produced the state of things which occasioned this change 
of plan. Ought not the same boldness and the same rapidity to 
have been continued to the completion of the enterprise ? Com- 
mon sense forbids a negative to the interrogation ; and yet this 
general, this conqueror, stops about halfway for two days. 

On the third he advances ; but forty-eight hours lost, in his sit- 
uation, gave a finishing blow to his grand project. 

The father of the state had removed from Orangeburg with May 
the reserve, to throw himself into Charleston if possible. 10th 
What was before impossible, had become possible by the forty- 
eight hours' delay of Prevost. Rutledge joined Moultrie ; and 
Charleston became safe.* 

Pulaski, a name dear to the writer, from a belief in his worth, 
and a knowledge of the difficulties he always had to encounter. 
May entered also ; and on the same day which brought the 
nth. British army before the town. All that was wanted for its 
defence was now done. Persuaded that the means in possession 
were adequate, if faithfully applied, and feeling the noble ardour 
which men, defending their houses in which the precious treasures 
of wives and children are deposited, always feel, the spirit result- 
ing from such emotions spread through every rank, and formed a 
phalanx of courage impenetrable to the fiercest assaults. Such 
was now the condition of the besieged town ; and such had been 
the error of the victorious general. 

The time gained by the Americans had been most advantageous- 
ly used. Defences on the land side had been pushed with unceas- 
ing exertion, and though not complete were formidable. Masters 
and servants, boys and girls, mixed in the honourable work of self- 
defence. The beloved governor and the heroic defender of Fort 
Moultrie, by their dictation and their example, reinepired effort, 
even when drooping nature begged repose. On the day sub- May 
sequent to investiture, the town was summoned, and favoura- 12th. 
ble terms of surrender were proffered. These were rejected, and 
our works permitted to advance during the discussion. The rejec- 
tion surely ought to have been followed by immediate storm or 
retreat. 

Neither took place : the whole day was intentionally, on the part 
of the besieged, and erroneously on the part of the besieger, spent 
in the adjustment of terms. Thus twelve precious hours more 

* Military history abounds with examples illustrating the preciousness of a 
few hours. It seems unaccountable tljat, nevertheless, the salutary counsel to 
be drawn from its instructive page is seldom regarded General Prevost con- 
sumed the time in deliberating upon his measures which, properly used, would 
have secured his SHCcess. The moment he began to doubt, he was lost. Han- 
nibal, the prince of war, is charged with having lost Rome by his waste of a 
few days after the battle of Cannse. Whether his failure before Rome result- 
ed from his delay remains uncertain. His great name forbids the credence of 
any imputation lessening his fame without full proof. No man can doubt but 
that the British general lost Charleston by his waste of forty-eight hours ; 
and yet, for aught the writer knows, the delay nii^ht have proceeded from ne- 
ressity, not from choice. 



48 Memoirs of the War in the 

were gained. The correspondence closed wilh the proposal on 
our part, of neutrality to the town and state during the war, the 
peace to fix its ultimate condition. This offer was rejected by the 
British general ; and he followed its rejection, by retiring May 
from before the town during the night. What train of rea 13th. 
soning could have produced the rejection of the proposition to 
surrender the town on condition of neutrality by a general situated 
as w.i.'^ Prevost, I confess myself incapable of discerning. 

Tie moment he found that the works could not be carried, he 
o«t:hi io have exerted himself to procure possession by negotia- 
tion ; ;md certainly the condition of neutrality was in itself eligible. 
It disarmed South Carolina for the war ; the effect of which upon 
her infant sister, already nearly strangled, would have been con- 
clusive ; and congress would have soon found, that their army, uii- 
^ded by South Carolina, could not be maintained in Georgia. 

No British force would have been retained from the field, to 
preserve the neutral state ; and the sweets of peace, with the al- 
lurements of British commerce, would probably have woven a con- 
nexion with Great Britain, fatal in its consequences, to the inde- 
pendence of the southern states. 

At all events, by the rejection of the proposal, when about to 
withdraw with his army, the expedition became abortive. Where- 
as acceptance of the proffered condition would have obviated the 
disgrace attached to such a result, and deprived general Lincoln of 
a great portion of his force, and of all the arms, stores, «fec. deposit- 
ed in Charleston. General Prevost had scarcely crossed the 
May Ashley river before the American general, returning from 
14tli. Augusta, by forced marches reached Dorchester, the thres- 
hold of the isthmus leading to Charleston, made by the Ashley and 
Cooper rivers, which, uniting below the town, pass to, the sea. 

Reposing a few days in his camp, on the south of Ashley river, 
Prevost commeticed his retreat along the sea coast, which, with his 
maritime means, was readily and safely effected. 

He first entered .Tames' Island, then John's Island, where he es- 
tablished himself, waiting for a supply of stores, daily expected 
from New York. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

VjrENERAL Lincoln, having called in his different corps, broke 
up from his position in Dorchester, and sat down close to John's 
island, which the Stono inlet separates from the main. 

On the main at the ferry, upon this inlet or river, the van of the 
British was posted, consisting of one thousand five hundred men 
under lieutenant colonel Prevost, who had erected three redoubts 
in his front for the security of his position. The numerous small 
craft, being fastened together, formed a coinmiiiji(jation between 
the van and the main body on the Island. 



Southern Department of the United States. '49 

jffolwithstanding the British expedition had issued in disappoiht- 
ments, to which in military transactions more or less ignominy ia 
always attached, Lincoln was not satisfied, but »vas very desirous 
to wind up with eclat the toilsome and passive operations, into 
which he had been reluctantly drawn, by his enterprising adversa- 
ry. The van of the enemy only was within his reach ; and as the 
bridge of boats afforded the sole conveyance to troops detached to 
its support, the supporting force was necessarily limited. Relying 
June upon the advantage this circumstance afibrded, Lincoln mov- 
4th. ed towards Stono on the 4th June, with the resolution of 
striking at the van post ; but after examining the enemy's condition, 
he thought proper to decline risking an assault. 

In the course of ten or twelve days, lieutenant colonel Prevost, 
•with a portion of the army, ivas detached to the Savannah. The 
vessels forming the temporary bridge being taken by this officer (ia 
consequence of the intention then entertaiued of retiring from the 
main) for the purpose of conveying his troops, the communication 
across the Stono, revert«d to ferry transportation. General Pre- 
vost afterwards relinquished his design of drawing his van into the 
reland, and sent lieutenant colonel Maitland to take charge of it. 

This officer possessed a growing reputation which he well de- 
served. Not only was the boat bridge broken up, rendering thai 
communication more inconvenient, but the garrison had been re- 
duced to five hundred men. Maitland hastened to improve his 
condition by separating from it every incumbrance. His sick, hi,«j 
spare baggage, his horses, with every other appurtenance, not ne- 
cessary to defence, were conveyed across the Stono; and he added 
to the security of his post all those aids from labour, which genius 
and industry beget. 

Lincoln was soon advised of the departure of lieutenant colonel 
Prevost, with the simultaneous occurrences. Resuming his origin- 
al design, he did not hesitate to seize the present inviting opportu- 
nity to execute it. On the 19th he moved with his army, determined 
to attack Maitland on the next morning. In accordi^"Ce with this 
decision, general Moultrie was directed-txj take pos^^ssion of James' 
Island with a detachment from Charleston, for <;fie purpose of pass- 
ing thence into John's Island, in order t^draw upon himself the 
attention of the British general, and tb-^ divert him from the attack 
Opon his van. The ground in frop^ of the enemy was level, and 
covered, at a small distance fro^i his works, with a^rove of large 
pine trees. A * 

June On the 20'Ai Lincoln advanced to the assault. The 

20th. North Car<»fina militia composed his right,* under brigadier 

*GeneraJ Lincoln set an example, in his order of battle, wortliy of imitation 
by all co'nraanders at the head of unequal troops, as was invariably the case 
with American commandants. 

Knowing that the Highlanders would take the enemy's right, he placed his 
continentals on his left, whereas, agreeably to usage, they would have compos^ 
ed our right. Fortn aught «ver to yield to substjance^ espe(;ially in the attart^e'^ 
^iiKiits (pv batfle*. 

7 



BO Memoirs of the War in the 

Botler and his regulars, his left under general Sumner. The 
flanks were covered by light troops, lieutenant colonel Henderson, 
at the head of one, and colonel Malmedy at the head of the other 
corps ; and the reserve consisted of the cavalry, with a small bri- 
gade of Virginia militia under general Mason. The Highlanders, 
called the best troops of the enemy, being known to take post on 
his right, became by this order of battle opposed to the continental 
soldiers. Maitland's piquejs announced the American approach ; 
and the British detachment formed for action. The seventy-first 
regiment was posted on the right, and a regiment of Hessians oa 
the left. Lieutenant colonel Hamilton, with the North Carolina 
regiment, composed the centre. The British flanks seemed to be 
secure ; as the one rested upon a morals, and the other upon a 
deep ravine. Notwithstanding appearances, both were, in fact, 
assailable ; for the first was firm enough to bear infantyy, and the 
other was not intersected by water. The retiring piquets were 
supported by two companies of the seventy first regiment, who, 
with their usual intrepidity, rushed into close action, and, fighting 
bravely, were mostly destroyed. This advantage encouraged the 
assailants, who were now ordered to reserve their fire and to put 
the issue of the battle on the bayonet. 

Our troops advanced with alacrity ; and the enemy waited their 
approach until they got within sixty yards of the abbatis, when a 
full fire from the artillery and small arms was delivered. Disobey- 
ing orders, our line returned the fire, which was continued on both 
sides without intermission for half an hour. The action became 
keen and general ; the Americans continuing their fire with ardour. 
The enemy's left was driven back ; and Maitland, seeing his dan- 
ger, made a quick mevement with the seventy-first regiment, from 
the right to the left, supplying its vacancy with his reserve. The 
Highlanders revived the contest on the left. The Hessians, being 
rallied, were brought again into line : and the action raged with 
increased fury. Lincoln, foreseeing the consequences, was chagrin- 
ed to find his plan of battle interrupted ; and exerted himself to 
stop the fire. J\\ length he succeeded : a pause ensued ; and the 
order for charge We., renewed. Vain attempt! the moment was 
passed ; and instantly ti.-^ firing recommenced, and continued for 
more than one hour : whei. the army of general Prevost was seen 
hastening to the ferry ; Moultrit having failed in making the intend- 
ed diversion for want of boats. The British lieutenant coldnel 
manifested by the past conflict the proWble issue of the future, 
strengthened, as he soon would be, by the support fast approach- 
ing; which consideration induced Lincoln to ordei « retreat. This 
movement produced now, as it generally does, sorn« disorder; 
which being perceived by Maitland, he advanced upot* Lincoln 
with his whole force. The cavalry (Pulaski was not present) were 
ordered up by the American general to charge the enemy, whose 
zeal in pursuit had thrown them into loose order. This was gal- 
lantly executed-; but Maitland closed his ranks as the horse bore 
upon him, and giving them a full fire from his rear rank, the front. 



Southern Department of the United States, 51 

holding its ground with charged bayonets, brought this corps (brave, 
but undisciplined) to the right about.* Thus terminated the battle 
of Stono. It was eviJently lost, first, by the failure in the diver- 
sion from Charleston, secondly by the erroneous plan of attack, 
and lastly by the deviation from orders in its execution. It seems 
surprising that if, as we must presume, a sufficiency of boats had 
been ascertained to be at our coanmand before the assault was de- 
termined Upon, how it could happen that any deficiency should 
occur in the moment of execution, unless from want of due atten* 
tion in the department charged with their collection, which evin- 
ces culpable negligence. Our force of battle was pointed against 
the enemy's front, in which lay his strength, as he had improved 
that part of his position by three redoubts, and other defences ; 
whereas our chief effort ought to have been on his flanks, which 
invited primary attention, as they were unfortified, and would, 
upon due examination, have been found only to present an opposi- 
tion easily to be surmounted. The morass was considered as im- 
passable, whereas it was a firm marsh, lieutenant colonel Hender- 
son having passed it in the course of the action with a part of his 
corps. The halt of the line, returning the enemy's fire instead 
of pressing on with the bayonet, baffled our last hope of victory ; 
nor is it improbable, had the appeal to the bayonet been uninter- 
rupted, but that our courage would have surmounted all difficul- 
ties ; and that we should have obtained the desired prize with 
heavy loss, which was attainable by a small sacrifice of lives, had 
we directed our attack against the enemy's vulnerable points. 
There was throughout our war, a lamentable ignorance in the to> 
pography of the country in which we fought, imposing upon our 
generals serious disadvantages. They had to ascertain the nature 
of the ground by reconnoitring, or by inquiry among the inhabi- 
tants. The first was not always practicable ; and the result of the 
last was generally defective. Government ought to provide, in 
time of peace, maps on a large scale of the various districts of the 
country, designating particularly the rivers, their tributary streams, 
the bridges, morasses and defiles, and hold them ready for use 
when wanting, or we shall have to encounter the same difficulties 
in any future, that we experienced in this, war. 

The loss was nearly equal, amounting to one hundred and sixty- 
five killed and wounded on the side of America. Among our kill- 
ed was colonel Robert, of the Charleston artillery, a much respect- 
ed officer. The American troops conducted themselves in this 
affair very much like genuine soldiers, except in the deranging 
breach of orders. 

Lieutenant colonel Hamilton, with the majors M'Arthur and 
Moncrieff, supported Maitland throughout the action, with zeal and 
firmness. 

< Mason, with his Virginia brigade, now advanced, delivering a heavy fire. 
The enemy drew back ; and our retreat was effected in tolerable order. 



^ Memoirs of the War in the 

In the course of a few days, the British general retired from 
John's Island and the adjacent main, unperceived, pursuing his 
route along the interior navigation to Georj,;a, leaving lieutenant 
colonel Maitland at Beaufort, in the Island of Port Royal, while 
general Lincoln, reduced by the return of the militia to the con- 
tinentals, (about eight hundred) established himself at Sheldon, 
conveniently situated to attend to the enemy at Beaufort. The 
sultry season had set in ; which, in this climate, like the frost of 
the north, gives repose to the soldier * 

Preparations for the next campaign, and the preservation of the 
health of the troops, now engrossed the chief attention of the hos- 
tile generals. 

Prevost, having reached Savannah, took up his quarters for the 
season, detaching lieutenant colonel Cruger with one of the Pro- 
vincial regiments to Sunbury.t This division of his tbrce very 
well corresponded with the resumption of offensive operations, 
although it subjected the British to great hazard, should a su- 
perior French fleet visit our coast, as had happened the preced- 
ing year. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



T 



— HE contest for the southern section of the United States had 
been regarded, by the respective commanders in chief, with watch- 
ful attention ; and each took measures to strengthen and invigorate 
the operations in that quarter. Washington, enfeebled as he was, 
detached to the south Bland and Baylor's regiments of horse, and 
the new levies recruited for the Virginia line ; J while sir Henry 

* The heat in the months of July and August forbade the toils of war. In 
1781 we found the heat of September and October very oppressive. 

t By retaining the post at Beaufort, the British general could readily pene- 
trate by the means of the inland navigation into South Carolina, unmolested 
by the Americans, destitute as we were of naval force. 

tCopy of a letler to general Washington on southern affairs. 

Philadelphia, April 28tb, 1T79. 
Sir : 
The inclosed letter from the lieutenant governor of South Carolina, commit- 
(Cd to the conrideratioii of a committee of three, and which, in the name of the 
committee, I have now the honour to inclose your exaellcncy, will show you 
the extremity to which our affairs in that quarter are driving. The committee 
Jind a choice of difficulties in this business, because the reliance on militia from 
Virginia having in a great degree failed, there appears no lemedy but such as 
will lessen the force you had a right to expect from Virginia lor reinforcing the 
main army. We have no reason to suppose that a greater force than fourteen 
hundred militia, perhaps not more than one thousand, will go from North Ca- 
rolina ; and of the one thousand ordered by the government of Virginia, we learn 
that not more than three hundred and fifty have been obtained. In thi^ate 
of tilings, the committee submit, to your excellency's wisdom and better knOwl- 
trfgc of the general state of military aftairs and intended operations, the fol* 



Southern Department of the United l^aies. 53 

(Jlinton, viewing the destruction of the resources of the common- 
wealth of Virginia, as cutting up by the roots resistance in the 
douth, planned an enterprise against that state, no sooner conceiv- 
ed than executed.* 

A body of troops amounting to two thousand men was, early in 
May, placed under the command of brigadier general Matthews. 
Having immediately embarked on board the British squadron, con- 
ducted -by sir George Colliei-, the fleet stood out to sea on the 5tb, . 
and on the 9th anchored in Hampton Road. No country presents 
more easy access by water than Virginia, the object of his invasion. 
Deep navigable rivers every where intersect it, presenting to the 
maritime invader advantages too obvious to be overlooked, and 
trammeling the measures of defence with those difficulties which 
the severance of the inhabitants, by the enemy's possession of the 
rivers, and the toils and delays of circuitous marches, inevitably 
produce. 

Aware of the disadvantages to which the state was exposed in war 
by these bountiful gifts of heaven, government had erected in the 
most vulnerable points slight fortifications to protect the inhabitants 
from predatory incursions, and raised a regiment of artillery at 
state expense, and for state purposes, particularly with the view 
of furnishing garrisons to their dispersed forts. 

Norfolk, the great seat of Virginia commerce, is situated on the 
east side of Elizabeth river ; opposite lies Portsmouth ; and to the 
south, in the fork of the two branches of the Elizabeth, which 
unite immediately above Norfolk, is Gosport ; where had been 
established a navy-yard for the use of the state. To this river, and 
to these towns, the British armament advanced. No difficulty 
interposed but the annoyance to be expected from one of those 
slight forts heretofore mentioned, and like all others erected in the 
state, exposed on the land side, being designed exclusively to de- 
lowing measures. That the two thousand new recruits now in Virginia be 
forthwith regimented and ordered to join the southern army; that a sum of mo- 
ney be sent to colonel Bland, with orders to re-enlist the men of his regiment, 
and proceed without delay to the same destination, with his battalions of light 
horse. If, sir, this plan should meet your approbation, the committee are of 
opinion, that the sooner it were carried into execution the better. 

Your excellency will be pleased to return the inclosed letter ; ani tlie com- 
mittee wish to be favoured with your opinion of the eligibility of this measure, 
flnd if there is a probability of its being soon executed ; or what additional or 
o(her method may occur to your excellency for the relief of the southern states, 
which we find by conversing with general Howe, (who has just arrived here) 
demands speedy and powerful assistance. 

I have the honour to be, with the highest sentiments of esteem and regard, sir,. 

Your Excellency's most obedient 

and very humble servant, 

RICHARD HENRY LEE. 

*Tbis opinion of sir Henry Clinton was well founded: the destruction of 
ihe resources of Virginia must have led to the annihilation of soutiiein opposi- 
tion. She may be truly styled the matrix of resistance in the south. The other 
states were too remote to furnish many supplies, indispensable to tiie prosecu- 
tion of the war in that extremity of the Union. 



54 Memoirs of the War in the 

fend the channel of the rivers on which they stood. Fort Nelson,* 
the principal of these defences, was situated on the west side of the 
Elizabeth, a little below the town of Norfolk, and in full command 
of the channel of the river. 

Major Matthews, t with a garrison not exceeding one hundred 
and fiftj men, was charged with the care of this post. On the 
JOth the fleet entered Elizabeth river, the army debarking three 
miles below Fort Nelson : preparations were made to gain its rear 
the next morning, and to carry the works by storm. 

Open in this quarter, resistance would have been temerity* 
The major, foreseeing the enemy's intention, evacuated the fort dur- 
ing the night, and retired to the margin of the Great Dismal 
Swamp, where he could, when necessary, secure his corps from 
insult or injury. The British general having thus possessed him- 
self of fhe sole obstruction to his views, established head quarters 
in Portsmouth, detaching troops to Norfolk, Gosport, and the cir- 
cumjacent depots of naval and military stores. Finding in these 
places abundant magazines, he destroyed all not shipped for New 
York, confounding private with public propefty. 

The loss sustained was great, and the injury resulting from it 
greater, as our stores were much wanted, and could not be quick- 
ly replnced. 

The invasion was as short as it had been effectual ; for before 
the close of the month the fleet and army reached New York. 

Louis XVI, true to his plighted faith, had given instructions to 
his admirals in the West Indies to be always ready, in the intermis- 
sion of active operations in that quarter, to extend assistance to 
bis allies. Count d'Estaing, the same admiral who, in the past 
year, had been dissappointed in his various efforts to contribute to 
our relief, still commanded on that station. 

Governor Kutledge and general Lincoln, convinced from the 
impotent condition of the enemy in the south, that he must soon 
fall, could the force of France in the West Indies be brought to 
bear upon him in conjunction with the southern American army, 
described, in conceit with Mons. Plombard, French consul at 
Charleston, the feeble and divided condition of the army under gen- 
eral Prevost, urging the count by the many weighty considerations, 
involved in the project, to devote himself to the proposed enter- 
prise during the hurricane months, when, in the West India seas, 
naval operations cease. No mind was more obedient to the calls 
of duty, connected with the prospect of increasing his personal 
fame, than that of the French admiral ; and he must have felt some 
anxiety to make amend? in a second, for the disappointments expe- 
rienced in his first, visit to our coast. He acceded instantly to the 
proposition; and, as soon as the season and his state of prepara- 

* So named, in commemoration of the patriotic and virtuous general Nelson, 
afterwards governor of the state, not more distinguished for his estimable qual- 
iti^as a man, than he was by his pure and gallant exertions in the cabinet atid 
in the field. ^ ^ 

+ Tliomas Matthews, since speaker of the house of delegates,^ of Virgiiy.a, 



Southern Department of the United States. 55 

tion permitted, he set sail from Cape Frangois for Tybee with forty- 
one sail, mostly of the line, having on board ten regiments amount- 
ing to six thousand men. 

On drawing near the American coast, the count despatched two 
ships of the line and three frigates to Charleston, with major gen- 
eral Fontanges, to announce his approach, and to concert, with the 
governor and general, a plan of operations. Pursuing his course, 
with the remainder of the fleet, he arrived on the coast ot Georgia 
early in September. Unapprehensive of danger from a French 
fleet, knowing, as did general Prevost, the British power upon the 
sea, the appearance of the count d'Eslaing was as unexpected as 
it was alarming. 

Several of the British ships of war on the Georgia station fell a 
prey to this sudden invasion ; and the rest were saved by running 
them up the Savannah river. 

Lincoln* immediately put his force in motion, and passed into 
Georgia at Zubly's ferry on the 9th ; while governor Rutledge, 
with his usual activity, imbodied the militia, hurrying them on by- 
regiments to join the American general. At the same time he col- 
lected a number of shallops, and despatched them to the French a^ 
miral for the purpose of facilitating the debarkation of his army. 

On the 13th d'Estaing landed three thousand men at Beaulieu u 
«n the 15th he was joined by Pulaski and his legion ; and on the next 
day the union of the allied army took place in front of the town of^ 
Savannah, general Lincoln having been delayed longer than he eX' 
pected by the various obstacle? opposed to his progress. 

The British general was no sooner apprised of the ajipearance 
of the French fleet than he devoted himself to vigorous prepan- 
tions to meet the une<]ual contest. Orders were hastened to the 
lieutenant colonels Maitland and Cruger, to join him by forced 
marches ; and captain '-•enry, of the navy, laying up the remnant 
of his small and useless squadron, the marines, sailors and cannon, 
were landed, and the first united to the garrison, the last mounted 
on the batteries. Two hundred negroes were associated with the 
troops in labour ; old works were strengthened and new works erect- 
ed. These were designed and executed by major Moncrieff, of 
the engineers, an officer of superior merit. Lieutenant colonel 
Cruger, with the garrison of Sunbury, jjad reached Savannah be- 
fore the French army sat down before it. Maillaud, with that of 
Beaufort, consisting of veteran troops, vjijw yet absent. 

Before the union of the two armies, the count d'Estaing sum- 
moned the British general in the name of his most christian majesty 
only. This offensive style violated the respect due from one 
sovereign to another, and could not have been relished by the 



* General Lincoln passed the Savannah river at Zubl}''s ferr^ On the sontli 
the swamps are very extensive, pierced by throe creeks, ovar which, bridger 
had leen erected. These had been bjojtei\,dowji by the Briti6ti genetal, atffl 
thus our pregress was mu* reja*d«d.» 



^ Memoi'fs of the War in the 

American general, although policy may have forbid his noticing it' 
at the moment. * 

General Prevost, recollecting the late transactions before Charles- 
ton, determined to imitate the example furnished by his enemy on 
that occasion. He answered so as to protract negotiation, which 
terminated in his proposition of a truce for twenty-four hours, for 
the purpose of enabling him, as he suggested, to adjust terms of 
surrender, should he thus conclude. This was granted ; so con- 
fident was count d'Estaing of ultimate success. Unfortunate respite ! 
it gave not only time for the completion of mucb of the unfinished 
work ; but what was infinitely more important, it enabled lieuten- 
ant colonel Alaitland to assume his part in the defence, before af 
single oifensive step was taken by the assailant. Cut off by the 
French fleet from the customary route to Savannah, the lieuten- 
ant colonel took the only one left which offered a prospect of arrivah 

Great were the obstacles he had to encounter, sometimes on 
water, sometimes on land, in deep swamps and marshes, through 
which his soldiers had to drag the boats, himself ill with a bilious 
fever, and in every step of his progress subject to interception. 
Braving all these difficulties, this undaunted and accomplished offi- 
cer made his way good to the river Savannah ; where, embarking in 
boats above the anchorage ground of the French fleet, he entered 
the town before the expiration of the truce. Every benefit ex- 
pected from the delay being derived, Prevost now answered, "that 
he should defend himself to the last extremity." This resolution 
accorded with the wish of all ; such had been the change effected 
during the truce in the state of the besieged. .Vaitland's junction 
diffused universal joy, not only because he added one third to the 
number of the garrison, and that too in troops of the best quality, 
but because he added himself, always the source of comfort where 
danger reigned. 

The allied army having brought up their ordnance intended for 
the siege, broke ground on the 23d ; and with such diligence were 
their approaches pushed that, in the course of twelve days, fifty- 
three pieces of battering cannon, and fourteen mortars, were mount- 
ed. All of these opened on the 4th of October, threatening speedy 
destruction to the enemy's defences. This dreadful display induced 
general Prevost to solicit the removal of the aged, the women, and 
children, to a place of safety ; a request sustained by the claims of 
humanity, and in no way injurious to the besieged, (the expectation 
of gaining the town beifig unconnected with the state of provisions) 
was unaccountably rejected by the confederate generals. 

On the approach of the French, few guns were mounted in the 
works of the enemy ; but such had been the vast exertions of gen- 
eral Prevost that now nearly one hundred of difl'erent calibers were 
in full array. 

* Whether general Lincoln remonstrated to the count for this folly, if un- 
mcatit, and for this impertinence, if meant, the wiiter cannot decide; but it 
has been often and confidently asserted, that the French commander explainefi 
t^ mutier to general Lincoln's satisfaction. 



Southern Department of the United States. ^7 

Savannah lying on the river is on that sitle safe, A deep morass 
stretches from the river above, and gives security to that quarter. 

Fields environ it on the other two sides. Here the allies were 
approaching ; and here were found the enemy's defences. Through- 
out had been erected redoubts and batteries secured wherever 
necessary in the rear, with impalements and traverses, and the 
whole surrounded with a ditch and abbatis. So well prepared for 
defence, the change from regular approaches to storm was the wish 
of the besieged, their fate being otherwise sealed unless relieved 
by a British fleet. Prevost did not waste his force in attempts to 
impede our advances, only two sorties being made during the 
siege ; from neither of which did any material consequence ensue. 
He calculated on a storm, knowing the danger to the French fleek 
and army, separated as they were, from the active and daring ope- 
rations of the British navy, as well as from those agitations of nature 
usual in the autumn, and s© often destructive to ships on the coast. 
He also counted upon the impatient temper of the French identi- 
fied in the character of their commander, not doubting from his 
being our voluntary assistant, he would take his measures from and 
for himself. Lincoln's wisdom Lincoln's patience, Lincoln's coun- 
sel, would be very limited in its effect. 

Thus judging, Prevost was right in preserving his full strength' 
for the decisive hour. It soon came : already count d'Estaing had 
spent one month in the completion of an enterprise, which from 
the information he had received in Cape Fran9ois, he calculated 
would have detained him ten days.* His naval officers felt for the 
safety of the fleet, and daily growing anxious for change of station, 
now became more pressing in their remonstrances ; and the affairs 
in the West Indies (to which aid to us was always secondary,) began 
to demand his attention. The count's own character gave pungency 
to the conclusion growing out of these considerations. He accord- 
ingly made known to Lincoln that the siege must be raised forthwith, 
or a storm attempted. Situated as the American general and the 
country in his care were, no alternative remained. However sin- 
cerely he must have wished for the continuance of the adopted 
system, sate and sure, he could not hesitate in renouncing it, and 
putting every thing to hazard, sooner than to a^ndon so important 
an enterprise. 

It was of course determined to carry the enemy by storm, ?»nd 
the 9th of October, close at hand, was fixed for the assault. The 
plan of attack was judicious ; the morass stretching from the river, 
and covering one quarter of the town, gave a concealed approach 
from a sink in the ground, along its margin leading to the British 



* The information derived by the coctimuiiioAtion from the governor general, 
and French consul, before mentioned, and which led to the enterprisci was cor- 
rect, D'Estding found the enemy subdivided, the best officer and the best 
troops did not join until the truce was: nearly expired. Any four hours before 
the junctioaof lieutenant colonel Mainland Tras^fiufficisnt to have taken Savap- 
.^nah. 



5^ Memoirs of the War in the 

right, believed by the assailants to be the most vulnerable.* This 
advantag^e was seized by D'Estaing and Lincoln : they drew, into 
it two columns, the elite of the confederate force, determined to 
confide the issue to their prowess ; while the American militia, 
threatening the centre and left, should thus distract the enemy's 
resistance. Prevost, anticipating with delight the chance of safety 
which could only be realized by a^hange in system on the part of 
the assailants, or by the approach of the British fleet, was always 
prepared. To the care of lieutenant colonel Maitland he assigned 
his right, his weakest part. The centre he confided to lieutenant 
colonel Hamilton, of the North Carolina regiment, and the left to 
lieutenant colonel Cruger. 

General Prevost having lined the intrenchments with appropriate 
troops, held disposable to succeeding incidents the seventy-first re- 
giment, two Hessian regiments, one battalion of the New Jersey 
brigade, one of the New York brigade, and the light infantry ia 
a second line, safe from the injury of our fire. 

The 9th of October dawned : the allied troops moved to the 
assault. The serious stroke having been committed to two columns, 
one was led by d'Estaing and Lincoln united, the other by count 
Dillon ; fhe third colu;iin moved upon the enemy's centre and left, 
first to attract attention, and lastly to press any advantage which 
might be derived from the assault by our left. 

The (roops acted well their parts; and the issue hung for some time 
suspended, Dillon's column, mistaking its route in the darkness of 
the morning, failed in co-operation, and very, much reduced the 
force of the attack ; while that of d'Estaing and Lincoln, concealed 
\)y the same darkness, drew with advantage near to the enemy's 
lines undiscovered. Notwithstanding this loss of concert in assault 
by the two columns destined to carry the enemy, gallant and deter- 
mined was their ad vaace. The front of the first was greatly thinned 
by the foe, sheltered in his strong and safe defences, and aided by 
batteries operating not only in front but in flank. 

Regardless of the fatal fire from the covered enemy, this un- 
appalled column, with Lincoln and d'Estaing at its head, forced the 
abbatis, and planted their standards on the parapet- All was gone, 
could ihis lodgment have been sustained, Maitland's comprehen- 
sive eye saw the menacing blow ; and his vigorous mind seized the 
means of warding it off. He drew, from the disposable force, the 
grenadiers and marines nearest to the point gained. This united 
corps uiuler lieutenant colonel Glazier assumed with joy the ardu- 
ous task to recover the lost ground. With unimpaired strength it 
fell upon the worried head of the victorious column ; who, though 

* The hollow way which led to the enemy's right gave great advantage to 
the assailant. It brought him close, unperceived and uninjured. The smali 
distance to pass over when discovered, and when exposed to the enemy's fire, 
diminished greatly the loss to be sustained before he reached the ditch. So per- 
suaded was the British general that his right was the part to be especially guard- 
ed, that there he posted his best treops, and there commanded lieutenant col- • 
(jtiel Maitland. 



Southern Department of the United States. 59 

piercing the enemy in one point, had not spread along the parapet ; 
and the besieged bringing up superior force, victory was suppress- 
ed in its birth. The triumphant standards were torn down ; and 
the galhint soldiers who had gone so far towards the goal of conquest, 
were tumbled into the ditch and driven through the abatis. About 
the time that Mailland was preparing this critical movement, count 
Pulaski, at the head of two hundred hoi'se, threw himself upon the 
works to force his way into the enemy's rear. Receiving a mortal 
wound, this brave officer fell ; and his fate arrested an effort which 
might have changed the issue of the day.* Repulsed in every point 
of attack, (he allied generals drew off their troops. The retreat 
was effected in good order ; no attempt to convert it into rout being 
made by the British general ; who, having gained his object, wise- 
ly refrained from hazarding by this measure the safety of the town 
and garrison. From the enemy's artillery only, the retiring army 
received inju?-y, which was considerable. Count d'Estaing, who, 
with general Lincoln, had courted danger to give effect to the as- 
sault, was wounded, as was major general Fontange, with several 
other officers. The French, killed and wounded, were rated at 
seven hundred men. The American regulars suffered in propor- 
tion : two hundred and forty being killed and wounded, while the 
militia from Charleston, their companions in danger, lost one cap- 
tain killed, and six privates wpunded. The enemy, fighting under 
eov-er of their skilfi^lly constructed works, suffered but little, only 
one hundred and twenty of the garrison being killed and wounded. 
The British general gained, as he merited, distinguished applause 
for the wisdom, vigilance and courage displayed throughout the 
siege. He was supported with zeal by every man under him, 
each in his station contributing his full share to the desired end. 
Captain Tavves, of the provincial troops, signalized himself by his 

* This gallant soldier was a native of Poland, whose disastrous history is 
weir known. Vainly struggling to restore the lost independence of his country, 
he was forced to seek personal safety by its ahandoninent. Hearing of the no- 
ble struggle in v/hich we were engaged, he hastened to the wilds of America, 
and associated himself with our perils and our fortune. Congress iionoured 
him with the commission of brigadier general, with a view, as was rumored, of 
placing him at the head of tlie American cavalry, the line of service in which 
he had been bred. But his ignorance of our language, and the distaste of our 
officers to foieign superioiity, stifled this project. He was then authorized to 
raise a legionary corps, appointing his own officers. 

Indefatigable and persevering, the count collected about two hundred infan- 
try and two hundred horse, made up of all sorts, chiefly of German deserters. ■ 
His officers were generally foreign with some Americans. With this assemblage 
the count took the field ; and atter serving some time in the northern army, he 
was sent to the south, and fell as has been described He was sober, diligent 
and intrepid, gentlemanly in his manners, and amiable in heart. He was ve- 
ry reserved, and, when alone, betrayed strong evidence of deep melancholy. 
Those who knew him intimately spoke highly of the sublimity of his virtue, and 
the consta.ncy of his friendship. Commanding this heterogeneous corps, badly 
equipped and worse mounted, this brave Pole encountered difficulty and sought 
danger. Nor have I the smallest doubt if he had been conversant in our lan- 
guage, and better acquainted with our customs and country, but that he would 
have become one of our most conspicuous and useful officers. 



60 Memoirs of the War in the 

intrepidity in defending the redoubts committed to his charge, the 
leading point of our assault. He fell dead at the gate with his 
sword plunged into the body of the third enemy, whom he had slain. 

Lieutenant colonel Maitland, always great, surpassed U|>on this 
occasion his former glory ; but to the deep regret of his admiring 
comrades, in a few days after our repulse, fell a victim to the fever 
which he had brought with him from Beaufort. Major MoncriefF, 
chief engineer, captain Charlton, commanding the artillery, and 
captain Henry, of the navy, acting with the garrison, received the 
general's marked acknowledgments for their exemplary exertions. 
Nor was the allied army behind their successful foe in the race of 
glory. Every thing was done, which brave men could do. The 
darkness of the morning produced the loss of punctual combination 
between the columns charged with the assault ; which unfortunate 
occurrence probably led to our repulse. The daring effort of the 
intrepid Pulaski to retrieve the fortune of the day, failing, with his 
much regretted fall, presents additional proof of the high spirit 
which actuated the besiegers, demonstrating that every difficulty 
was encountered, every danger braved, to crown the enterprise 
with success. While with pleasure we offer the praise due to con- 
federates in the hour of assault, we cannot pass from this disastrous 
day without examining the preceding conduct of the leaders of the 
allied army. 

First, we ask why the route between Beaufort and Savannah 
had not attracted primary attention. It must have been known 
that lieutenant colonel Maitland would level all obstacles sooner 
than fail to unite himself with general Prevost ; and it ought to have 
been known that, Maitland being stopped, Savannah would fall. 
Yet it appears that this tirst object was entirely neglected ; and it 
also appears that Maitland's junction, though unobstructed, was re- 
plete with difficulty. 

Secondly, we cannot but express surprise, (it being clearly un- 
derstood that the French co-operation must be very limited in time) 
at the long delay of the assault. Had count d'Estaing, when his 
summons was answered by proposing a truce, penetrated the de- 
sign of the enemy, rejected the ])roposal, and commenced the at- 
tack, the British general would have surrendered, as Maitland had 
not arrived, and the works wgre still incomplete. The rash de- 
cision, of defending himself thus circumstanced, could not have 
been adopted ; and had it been adopted with the same gallantry 
which was displayed at a future day, the French mujt then have 
succeeded. The American general had not come up, and is of 
course exempt from his share in this animadversion : a delay unex- 
pected and unfortunate, for probably had Lincoln been in place, 
the truce might have been rejected, and an assault adopted. 

Our repulse was followed by raising the siege The allied ar- 
mies separated in good humour, although so lamentably foiled in 
their sanguine expectations.* 

* The thorough good will, exemplified by the genei-aPs troops when separat- 
Tug, induces the belief that th«. offensive style, in which the summons had b^ea 



Southern Department of the United States. 61 

Without delay the count d'Estaing re-embarked his troops, and> 
resuming his naval station in the West Indies, went himself to 
France, while general Lincoln returned to South Carolina. 

The abasdonment of the siege of Savannah closed the campaign, 
which ha^ been active, daring and novel, ever presenting some- 
times to one side, sometimes to the other, splendid prospects, and 
turning the moment of expected success into bitter disappointment : 
Charleston and Savannah alternately struck at by the opposite ar- 
mies, both within the grasp of the assailant, and neither taken ; 
the American army under Howe defeated ; an imposing detach- 
ment under Ashe cut to pieces ; Lincoln baffled at Stono ferry ; the 
united forces of America and France repulsed before Savannah ; 
yet notwithstanding these heavy disasters, the upper country of 
Georgia, the object of the contending generals, rested in the pos- 
session of the United States, 



Wi 



CHAPTER XV. 



HILE the allied army was engaged before Savannah, colonel 
John White, of the Georgia line, conceived and executed an extra- 
ordinary enterprise. Captain French, with a small party of the 
British regulars, was stationed on the Ogeechee river, about twen- 
ty-five miles from Savannah. At the same place lay five British 
vessels, of which four were armed, the largest mounting fourteen 
guns. White, having with him only captain Etholm and three sol- 
diers, kindled many tires, the illumination of which was discernible 
at the British station, exhibiting, by the manner of ranging them, 
the plan ot a camp. To this stratagem he added another : he and 
his four comrades, imitating the manner of the staff, rode with 
haste in various directions, giving orders in a loud voice. French 
became satisfied that a large body of the enemy were upon him ; 
and, on being summoned by White, he surrendered (1st of Octo- 
ber) his detachment, the crews of the five vessels, forty in num- 
ber, with the vessels, and one hundred and thirty stand of arms. 

Colonel White having succeeded, pretended that he must keep 
back his troops, lest their animosity, already stifled by his great 
exertions, should break out, and indiscriminate slaughter take place 
in defiance of his authority ; and that therefore he would commit 
his prisoners to three guides who would conduct them safely to 
good quarters. This h'lraane attention on the part of White was 
thankfully received. He immediately ordered three of his atten- 
dants to proceed with the prisoners, who moved off with celerity, 
anxious to get away lest the fury of White's corps, believed to be 
near at hand, might break out, much disposed though he himself 
was to restrain it. 

couched, had either been satisfactorily explained, or was understood by the 
Americaii general to have been an accidctital slip on the part of the count. 
d' Estaing in the hurry of the moment. 



62 Memoirs of the War in the 

■ White, with the soldier retained by him, repaired, as he an- 
nounced fo his guides and prisoners, to his troops for the purpose 
of proceeding in their rear. 

He now employed himself in collecting the neighbourhood mili- 
tia, with whom he overtook his guides, their charge safe and happy 
in the good treatment experienced. 

The extraordinary address of White was contrasted by the ex- 
traordinary folly of French ; and both were necessary to produce 
this wonderful issue. The affair approaches too near the marvel- 
lous to have been admitted into these Memoirs, had it not been 
uniformly asserted, as uniformly accredited, and never contradicted. 

Congress, undismayed by the gloom which the unexpected issue 
to the siege of Savannah had spread over the south, took immedi- 
ate measures to reinforce Lincoln ; and sir Henry Clinton, encour- 
aged by his success, determined to press to completion its subjuga- 
tion. 

In pursuance of a resolution of Congress, the North Carolina 
line was ordered to South Carolina ; and solemn assurances were 
wiven of effectual support to the languishing resistance in the 
south. 

Sir Henry Clinton having withdrawn the British garrison from 
Newport, thereby restoring the elastic patriotism of the state of 
Rhode Island to its wonted energy and freedom, and being rein- 
forced from England, prepared a respectable detachment of chosen 
troops to be led by himself for the reduction of South Carolina. 
Waiting for the departure from the American coast of the French 
fleet, he was no sooner apprised of this event than he began the 
embarkation of his arnry ; which being completed. Admiral Ar- 
buthnot, the British naval commander on the American station, 
took upon himself the direction of the escorting fleet, and sailed 
from Sandy Hook on the 26th of December. 

The voyage was tempestuous and tardy ; some of the transports 
were lost, and others taken ; all the horses for the cavalry and 
artillery perished ; and the fleet, being much crippled in its stormy 
passage, never reached T^bee, its destined point, until the end of 
January. Here the damaged ships were repaiied vvilh all practi- 
cable haste ; and the admiral put to sea, steering his course for 
North Edisto sound in South Carolina. The armament arrived 
there on the 10th of February ; and the next day was employed in 
disembarking the army on John's Island. 

Sir Henry Clinton was now on terra firma, within thirty miles 
of Charleston. He took immediate measures for advancing, but 
with the utmost circumspection, sacrificing much time in fortifying 
intermediate posts to hold safe his communication with the fleet. 
There are occasions and situations when such conduct is entitled 
to commendation, indeed when the omission would be highly repre- 
hensible. But this was not the case now ; no possible interrup- 
tfon was practicable on the part of Lincoln, whose regular force 
Consisted of about two thousand men, including the North Caro- 



Southern Department of the United States. 63 

lina regulars, and four hundred Virginians, who had lately joined 
him under lieutenant colonel Heth. To these the militia of the 
town only is to be added ; for that of the country was much indis- 
posed to shut themselves up in a besieged fortress. The recollec- 
tion of the repulse which himself and admiral Parker had sustain- 
ed at this spot, in 1776, must have inspired sir Henry Clinton with 
more respectful considerations of the power of his enemy, and the 
strength of his defences, than accurate information would warrant. 
Determined to avoid a second rebuff, the general pursued, with 
unvarying pertinacity, the most cautious system.* The necessary 
boats for the transportation of the army, passing along the interior 
navigation to Waapoocut, entered into Ashley river under the com- 
mand of captain Elphinston. On the 29th of March the van of 
the British reached the banks of the river, having marched thirty 
miles since the 11th of February, and never meeting, during the 
whole period, with the smallest resistance, except in the solitary 
instance of a rencontre between lieutenant colonel Washington, 
commanding Baylor's diminished regiment of cavalry, and lieute- 
nant colonel Tarleton ; whose dragoons, having been remounted 
on horses procured by sir Henry Clinton since his landing, covered 
the left flank of a division advancing from Savannah. This first 
meeting terminated favourably for lieutenant colonel Washington, 
who in the sequel took a few prisoners ; among whom was lieu- 
tenant colonel Hamilton, of the royal regiment of North Carolina. 
On the 30th sir Henry Clinton passed Ashley river above Charles- 
ton, and on the following day sat down in front of our works. On 
his march the van of the le-iding column was gallantly attacked by 
lieutenant colonel Laurens with a corps of light infantry ; in which 
skirmish the earl of Caithness, aid de-camp to sir Henry Clinton, 
was wounded. It is possible that the extraordinary delay, with 
which 'he movements of the British general were made, might have 
been intended with the double view of excluding the possibility of 
failure, and of seducing his enemy to continue in Charleston. If 
so, he succeeded completely in both objects. He certainly secur- 
ed himself from insult ; and his delay as certainly iixed the fate of 
the southern army, which never could have been inclosed in the 
untenable town, had not the sound mind of major general Lincoln 
been bent from its own resolve by the wishes of all the influential 
characters of the state, and by the confident expectation of ade- 
quate support ; neither of which considerations would have influ- 
enced him but for the long lapse of time which intervened between 

* In the whole course of the American war, there seems to have been a sys*- 
■tematic sacrifice of time by the British generals, excepting where lord Corn- 
wallis commanded. I do not recollect any operations wherein the British re- 
sotted to forced marches. Washington, in 1776, was hurried through the Jer- 
seys, Upon this occasion Iprd Cornwallis was the operating general ; and we 
all remember how he pushed Morgan, and afterwards Greene, in the Carolin:^. 
The delay of sir Henry Clinton in this short march of thirty miles is inexplica- 
ble, unless from habit, or from a wish to induce the American geneial }o shut 
Abpself up in Charleston. 



$4 Memoirs of the War in the 

the day of disembarkation, llth of February, and the 30th of 
DIarch, the day of beginning investiture. 

At the bottom of the short and narrow isthmus, as has been ob- 
served, made by the rivers Ashley and Cooper, stands Charleston, 
the metropolis of South Carolina, and the emporium of the soath- 
ern commerce. The rivers uniting south of the town make a con- 
venient bay which glides by a slight current into the sea, assisting 
to form some handsome islands in its flow, and creatmg, by its te- 
sistanre to the overbearing surge of the ocean, a bank of sand, 
emphatically called the Charleston Bar. On two of these islands, 
Sullivan's and James', defences had been erected in the beginning 
of the war: on the first, Fort Moultrie, on the last. Fort Jolinston. 
In 1776 colonel Moultrie, by his intrepid resistance on Sullivan's 
Island, repulsed a formidable fleet and army, as has been before 
recited 

Estimating the defence of the approach from sea as momentous 
to the safety of South Carolina, congress had prepared a smalt^ 
squadron, under commodore Whipple, to eo-operate with the insu- 
lar fortifications. United to those of the state, our naval force, 
then in Charleston harbour, consisted of nine sail, the largest 
mounting forty-four guns. From the successful resistance made 
by colonel Moultrie, in 1776, it was confidently, and with much 
reason, presumed that the difficulty of passing the bar, the co op- 
eration of the squadron with the Forts Moultrie and Johnston, and 
the numerous batteries erected to protect the harbour, the British 
fleet would meet obstacles not easily to be surmounted. Fort 
Moultrie, with its appendages, was committed to colonel Pinckney,* 
fitted in heart and head to uphold its splendid fame. 

Confiding in his defences by water, the American general be- 
stowed his unremitted attention to strengthen and enlarge those on 
land. The two rivers which form Charleston neck, like all the 
rivers in that country, are lined on both shores with extensive 
swamps, deep in water and in mud, and impervious to the passage 
of troops. Profiting by these natural impediments, a canal at a 
proper distance in front was cut from swamp to swamp. Beyond 
the canal, strong deeply laid abbatis in two rows presented them- 
selves, and were rendered more formidable by a double picketed 
ditch. Between this line of defence and the main works, holes 
dug in the ground were interspersed to break the order of advan- 
cing columns ; strong redoubts and batteries skilfully constructed 
were erected to enfilade the flanks ; and in the centre was an in- 
closed horn work of masonry. The slow approach of the enemy, 
the active exertions of governor Rutledge ; invested by the gen- 
eral assembly with every powerj but that of fife and death, and 



* Charles Cotesvvorth Piackney. 

+ The legislatuie passed an act "delegating to governor Rutledge, and such 
of his council as he coujd conveniently consult, a power to do every thing ne- 
cessary for the public good, except taking away the life of a citizea without 
ifcgal triaU" This is dealing out power with a profuse hand. 



Southern Department of the United States. 65 

the indefatigable efforts of major general Lincoln, had rendered our 
land defences respectable and impo^iing, when the enemy appeared 
in our front. On the Ist of April sir Henry Clinton began his tirst 
parallel at the distance of eight hundred yards ; previous to which 
the fleet had taken its station off Charleston bar. 

This natural obstacle had been uniformly regarded as present- 
ing decided advantage to the besieged ; and commodore Whipple, 
with his squadron, was therefore detached to Charleston, presum- 
ing that with his force he could successfully stop the enemy from 
passing the bar, inasmuch as their ships must be lightened, taking 
out their guns and other incumbrances, to enable them to float its 
water. Strange to tell, this uniformly accredited opinion was on 
the moment of trial found fallacious.* 

It was discovered that our Irigates could not approach near 
enough to oppose the passage of the bar with any kind of success ; 
and we necessarily abandoned without a struggle this point of de- 
fence so much relied on. Commodore Whipple took a second sta- 
tion with his squadron in range with Fort Moultrie, where it was 
confidently expected effectual opposition to the progress of the 
enemy's fleet could be made. 

The British ships selected for this operation lay two weeks with- 
out the bar, deprived of their guns, waiting for wind and tide. 

These being favourable on the 20th of March, a sixty-four, with 
some frigates, passed without injury of any sort. No sooner had 
this been effected but it vvas discerned that the obstructions in the 
channel were not of magnitude, and that no probability of success- 
ful resistance offered itself in our new station. The squadron w^^3 
a second time ordered to retire ] and having sunk most of our arm- 
ed ships in the mouth of Cooper's river to prevent the British, 
admiral's holding that important pass, the crews and guns were 
landed and applied in the defence of the town, now relying for its 
safety, solely upon the strength of its fortifications and the valour 
of its garrison. 

With a fair wind, on the 9lh of April, the British admiral weigh- 
ed, with the determination to pass Fort Moultrie. 

* A critical research into the various proceedings of congress and of the 
states, in making preparations of defence, evince a negligence in the ascertain- 
ment of facts, essential to the accurate execution of measures which excites 
surprise and regret. We have before seen that a British admiral first discover- 
ed that a small inlet between Mud Island and the Pennsylvania shore would 
admit ships with cannon, and that, availing himself of this discovery, he forced 
us to abandon Mud Island, and thus probably saved the British army. We 
now see that it was reserved for the moment of trial to learn tbat the bar of 
Charleston was not defensible by our squadron, because the water within thfi 
bar was too shallow for our frigates. Would not due inquiry have ascertain* 
ed these truths in due time, when the inlet so destructive to iVIud Island might 
have beeo readily shut up by immovable obstructions, close as it was under the 
command of our fort, aud when a naval force, fitted for the depth ot water 
within the bar, might have been as readily prepared and sent to C'rarleston ai 
was the useless squadron which, by the £urrend(?r o^' the town, became the pl*- 
pertv of the enemy. 





66 Memoirs of the War in the 

This he readily accomplished, notwithstanding all the opposition 
which it was possible for colonel Pincknev to make. Not a ship 
was disabled ; and only twenty-seven men killed and wounded. A 
convincing proof (hat unless the hostile fleet is stopped by obslruc- 
tions in the channel ditKcult and tedious to remove, the fire of forts 
and batteries never can avail.* Having passed this our only re- 
Htrtinin-J point of resistance, the British fleet anchored within the 
harbour out of reach of further offence. On the same day sir 
Henry Clinton finished his first parallel, when the British com- 
manders demanded the surrender of the town. To this summons 
general Lincoln replied : " Sixty days have been past, since it has 
bepn known that your intentions against this town were hostile, io 
which, time has bcpn afforded to abandon it; but duty and inclina- 
tion point to the propriety of supporting it to the last extremity." 
This answer was no sooner received ^h;m the British batteries com- 
menced the dire assault^ which continued without intermission. 

As the British were possessed of the harbour and of Charleston 
neck, only the pa^^s across Cooper river, and up its eastern bank, 
remained open to general Lincoln. A retreat was effectible. and 
ought in prudence to have been attemj)ted as soon as the defence 
of the bar was discovered to be impracticable ; being then omitted 
it ought now to have been attempted. For although it certainly 
had been rendered more hazardous than it iviis, before the enemy's 
fleet passed the bar, yet it was still practicable t One difficulty of 
force only was attached to the attempt — discovery before the gar- 
rison had crossed the river and begun its march. This certainly 
might have been prevented by lining all the avenues to the enemy's 
posts with troops of approved fidelity. But this salutary plan was 
not adopted. 

It does not seem then to have been even contemplated ; for 
shortly before, brigadier general Woodford, with seven hundred of 
the Virginia Ime, detacheil from the main army by general Wash- 
ington, entered the town. This would not have taken place had 
retreat been in view. Woodford would have been halted at Monk's 
. Corner, where brigadier Huger, of the South Carolina line, was 



* Was this the solitary instance within our own experience of the accuracy 
of this observation, the lesnltso r.oiifidently relied upon might be doubted; but 
every attempt made by the naval t'oice of the enemy during the war succeeded 
in like manner ; and many such operations tooli place. 

Experience every where proves the truth of the remark ; and it ought to in- 
fluence government in their preparation of water defences whenevei they may 
be resorted to. 

tOur cavalry was now safe ; and we had a small force of militia. All the 
horses in Chartesioa might liave been conveyed across the river with saddles, 
bridles, and swords, which would have enabled Lincoln to mount some ot his 
infantry, to act as dragoons, and thus given to the retreaiing arn.y a decitied 
superiorit)' in that important force. At the s^me time it would have deprived 
the enemy of the means of transportation of stores, baggag;e, and munitions, 
without which, in adequate quantities, he would not have pursued any great 
distance. Gaining one march in tiiis situation of things, Lincoln was safe ; 
and this advantage was certain^ if his caution and secrecy prevented discovery. 



Southern Department of the United States. 67 

posted with the cnvalry. to preserve communication between the 
town and country. Indeed the loss ot Cititrleston vvas n sad de- 
ranging blow to the «outh ; the force of which w^s ajigravated by 
the injudicious, thoiijjti f.illht'til. ctibrt \o preserve it Not only the 
metropolis of the state, and the depot of it> conrjinerce, with a por- 
tion of that of its northern neighbour, but the unrivalled neat of 
southern beauty, taste, art, science, and wealth, Chaileston, from 
its foundation, had been ttie pride, the boast, and delight of the 
high spirited gentry, and gallant yeomanry of that country. And 
as if nature had stepped out of it;* ordmary course to give superi- 
ority to its advantages, it is the regioii of salubrity, and draws with- 
in its pale, in the season of summer, tlie sick to be cured, and the 
well to enjoy health, reversing the common order in Europe and 
America.* 

Such a combination of influence was not to be resisted by the 
brave and ami,ihle Lincoln,! especially when supported by the co- 
incident wish ol the grave fathers ot the state, and encouraged by 
his reliance on assurances of adequate succour. It is to be regret- 
ted that the general's thorough knowledge of his own situation, of 
the enemy's strength and object, and of the imbecility of govern- 
ment, had liot induced him to adopt that plan of operations which 
would have upheld the commonweal should disappointments, which 
too often hapi)ened, follow the assurances received from congress. 
It was very certain that the possession of Charleston, only, was 
not the sole object of the hostile armament, but the conquest of 
that sta(e. in the tirst place, and then of as many others as could 
be added to it. It was equally certain that the prepervation of the 
couivtry would soon regam the town, whereas the loss ot the coun- 
try would irretrievably fix the doom of the town. Nor could it be 
doubted that the .salvation of the country depended oji the timely 
evacuation of the town, as thus only the army would be preserved 
to arrest the enemy's advance. After this had been done, if the 
assurances made general Lincoln should be realized, the subjuga- 
tion of the state became visionary, and the invader would abandon 
Charleston, which would have probably stopped the prosecution of 
the war. If the assurances should turn out illusory, as they did, 
the army safe, would have given a rallying point to our militia, and 
drawn together such a force as might have resisted the enemy ef- 
fectually, whenever sir Henry Clinton returned to New york.| 

*In the sickly ?eason (the summer ami autumn) Charleston is resorted to, 
as with us, and every v/here else on the two continents, are the upper country 
and its waters. This-- used to be the case; and I believe it still continues, with 
the exception of some who visit the northern states in the sultry season. 

t The American general partakes in character moie of .^neas, than of Hector. 

iSir Henry Clinton had left New York with a reduced force, and under a 
German general; admitting that he was safe from the intrusion of a J'rench 
navy, as was probable, still he was not safe from general VVasiiingtou, whose 
army never received its full annual stren^Jth sooner than July. Sucu was the 
dilatory progress, under our weak g:)veinment. It tlierefore could not be 
doubted but that sir Heniy Clinton would return, and that as soon as was 
practicable, after the fall of Charleston. 



68 Memoirs of the War in the 

Those afflicting disasters which followed never could have taken 
place, heightened by the intestine divisions in the two Carolinas. 
The leading characters of the country never could have been shut 
up in Charleston, to be thence transported in captivity ; and the 
people under the direction of their accustomed lights and guides, 
linked together by sameness of birth, of habit, of religion, and of 
law, never could have been thrown into those deadly feuds, engen- 
dering that sanguinary warfare, in some sections of the country, 
which, with the fury of pestilence, dextroyed without discrimina- 
tion. 

Let this sad though faithful record of our own experience ad- 
monish the rulers of the nation, if in future vicissitudes of the 
ever changing scenes of human affairs, they should be called upon 
to act in a similar conjuncture ; and let it impress on future gene- 
rals, situated as was major general Lincoln, that the wiser course 
is that which promises to promote the common good, when the 
known impotence of the government renders the failure of its pro- 
mises probable. Although this opportunity for retreat* was nc- 

*ln proof of the sad expectations which prevailed in Charleston about this 
time, I subjoin an intercepted letter, published by Mr. Stedman, whose history 
of the American war I have perused with great satisfaction, "From Mr. B. 
Smith to Mrs. Smith, dated Charleston, April 30.'" 

Having never had an opportunity of writing to her since the enemy began to 
act with vigour, and knowing that a thousand evil reports will prevail to in- 
crease her uneasiness — " Mine I have supported pretty well until last night, 
when 1 really almost sunk under the load. Nothing lemains around to comfort 
me but a probability of saving my life, after going through many difficulties. 
Our affairs are daily declining; and not a Lay of hope remains to assure us of 
our success. The enemy have turned the siege into a blockade, which in a 
short time m<ist have the desired effect; and the most sanguine do not now en- 
tertain the smallest hope of the town being saved. The enemy have continued 
their approaches with vigour continually, since I wrote the inclosed, and are 
now completing b 'tteries about two hundred yards distance from our lines. 
They but seldom fire from their cannon ; but their popping off rifles and small 
guns do frequent mischief, and every night throw an amazing number of shells 
amongst our people, which, at the Inie-s, though not attended with the damage 
that might be reasonably expected, do some mischief. Our communication is 
entirely cut off from the country (excepting by a small pass at great risk) by 
lord Cornwallis, who occupies every landing place from HadrelPs point, a con- 
siderable way up the river, with two thousand and five hundred men. When 
I wrote last, it was the general opinion that we could evacuate the town at 
pleasure ; but a considerable reinforcement having arrived to the enemy, has 
enabled them to strengthen their posts so effectually as to prevent that measure. 
The same cause prevents our receiving further supplies of provisions or rein- 
forcements ; and a short time will plant the British standard on 6ur ramparts. 
You will see by the inclosed summons that the persons and properties of the 
inhabitants will be saved ^ and consequently I expect to have the libert3' of 
sonn returning to you ; but the army must be made prisoners of war. This 
will give a rude shock to the independence of America: and a Lincolnade will 
be as common a term as a Burgoynadc. Bui I hope in time we shall recover 
this severe blow. However, beiore this happens, [ hope 1 shall be permitted to 
return home, where 1 must stay, as my situation will not permit me to take any 
further an active part; and therefore my abandoning my property will subject 
me to many inconveniences and losses, without being any way serviceable to 
rhi^ country. Tliis letter will run great risk, as it will be surrounded on. a^ 



Southern Department of the United States. 69 

glected, yet the governor and general concerted measures well cal- 
culated to maintain the communication between the town and coun- 
try. The governor, with a moiety of the executive counsel, left 
the town for the purpose of encouraging the collection of the mili- 
tia, and of establishing a succession of posts, with supplies of pro- 
vision, in case, at any future day, a retreat might be deemed pro- 
per, while the lieutenant governor, the aged and respectable Mr. 
Gadsden, with the other moiety, continued in the town to encour- 
age, by their presence, their fellow citizens, and to assist, by their 
authority, th« military operations. Governor Rutledge formed two 
camps, one between the rivers Cooper and Santee, and the other 
on the Santee. But although clothed with dictatorial powers, and 
exerting these powers with unabating zeal, he was never able to 
collect a force in any degree respectable. 

To be the principal, or to be the auxiliary, is very differently 
relished by man. 

The militia, feeling their imperfections, can rarely be brought 
to act the tirst character, though willing, as they proved Ihemselre^, 
to assume the second. 

To encourage the efforts of the governor, general LincoJn, in- 
adequate as his garrison was, detached three hundred regulars, who, 
with the cavalry and the militia, it was confidently hopel might 
have held open the communication yet remaining, espe:ially as 
portions of the promised reinforcements were daily expected ; 
all of which would probably have been annexed to thif incipient 
army. 

Sir Henry Clinton, soon after the establishment ii^Jon John's 
Island, had drawn from Savannah one thousand two hindred men, 
and sent order.^ to lieutenant general Knyphausen to tsinforce him 
with three thousand more from New York. This succiur was daily 
expected. 

Proceeding without, disturbance in his second par»lel, and anx- 
ious to close the investiture of the town by extendirg his opera- 
tions on the north of Cooper's River, he placed uniier lieutenant 
colonel Webster a corps of one thousand five haidred for ^iQ 
execution of this object. Webster found that the Auerican caval- 
ry still lay at Monk's Corner. To this point he demoted his atten- 
tion : soon informed, as well of their strength aoJ position as of 
their precautions, to guard against surprise, he determined to break 
up the post, and selected the night of the 14th April for his enter- 

vdes; but as I know the person to whose care it is committed, and feel for your 
tmeasy situation, I could not but trust it Assure yourself that 1 sliall shortly 
see you ; as notliing prevents Lincoln's surrender but a point of honour of 
holding out to the last extremity. This is nesarly at hand, as our provisions 
will soon fail; and my plan is to walk off as soon as I can obtain permission. 
Should your father be at home, make him acquainted with the purport of this 
letter, and remember me to him, also to your mother ; but do not let the intel- 
ligence go out of the house. But a mortifying scene must first be encountered; 
the thirteen stripes will be levelled in the dusi, and I owe my life to the clem- 
ency of the conqueror. 

(Signed) B., SMITH. 



70 Memoirs of the War in the 

prise. Taking some neglected by-paths, his van composed of 
Tarleton's legion, and Ferguson's riflemen, by avoiding the pa- 
troles, approached our videttes unperceived. Lieutenant colonel 
Tarleton drove at them with his habitual promptitude, and entered 
the camp with the videttes 

Although accoutred for action, yet so instantaneous was the as- 
sault, that the American cavalry were routed without resistance. 
Lieutenant colonel VV'ashingloo, and most of the corps, saved Jhem- 
selves by their knowledge of the country, while the inhabitants 
suffer^ outrages shocking to relate.* All the extra horses, waj;ons, 
baggage, &ic., fell into the h;»rids of the enemy. The British and 
American statements differ as to our loss widely. By our account 
we lost only thirty dragooiis besides the baggage of the corps. Mr. 
Stedman, to whom I have before recurred, places it much higher; 
jEtnd I have never been able to s.itisfy myself as to the real loss.t 
This successful exploit enabled lieutenant colonel Webster to es- 
tabjish a position on the Wando, thus securing all the country be- 
twe«n that river and the Cooper. Lincoln learned with deep re- 
gret the disaster of our cavalry, and its direct consequence, the 
enemj's establishment on the Wando fie came to the resolution 
of striking at this post ; but so weak was his garrison, that, by the 
advice of a council of war called upon the occasion, he relinquish- 
ed his indention ; and the post, fatal to his couimunication with the 
country, was left undisturbed, although held by only six hundred 
infantry a.T.d some cavalry. The reinforcement from New York 

♦"Some (iiagoons of the Britisli legion attempted to ravish several ladies 
in the house o' Dr. John Collington, in the neighbourhood of Monk's Corner, 
where they wee protected. A carriage being provided, the^ weie escorted to 

the house of iM . Tiie dragoons were apprehended and brouglit to Monk's 

Corner, where by this tiri)e colonel Webster had arrived and taken the com- 
mand. The la-e colonel Patrick Ferguson, of whom we shall have to speak 
more hereafter, was for putting the dragoons to death. But colnel Webster 
did not conceiv* that his power extended to holding a general court martial. 
The prisoners wwjre, however, sent to head quaiters; and, I believe, were af- 
terwards tried airl whipped.'' Stediniii. 

t " Forty-two A-agons, one hundred and two wagon horses, and eighty two 
dragoon horses, aid several officer's hprses; a quantity of ammunition, flour, 
butter, clothing, ciirip and horse equipage, harness for all the wagons, all the 
officer's clotliing aid bagg.ige, together with five puncheons of rum, six hogs- 
iieads Muscovado sjgar, four barrels indigo, a quantity of tea, coffee, spices, 
nails in casks, sonit French cloth, three barrels of gunpowder, swords, &c., 
found in a store, wh.cli was set on fire and blown up by the carelessness of a 
sentiuel. The loss tif the Americans in men was major Bernie, of Pulaskvs 
legion of dragoons, and three ciptains, one lieutenant, and two privates, kill- 
ed ; fifteen privates, o»e oaptitin, and two lieutenants, taken prisoners, includ-* 
iiig the wounded. Major Bernie was mangled in the most shocking manner r 
he had several wounds^ a severe one behind his ear. This unfortunate officer 
lived several hours, reprobating the Americans for their couduct on this occa- 
sion; and even in his last moiienis cursing the British for their baibarity, in 
having refused quarter after he bad surrendered. The writer of this, who was 
ordered on the expedition, afforddi eveiy assistiince in his power, and had the 
major put us)on a trfble in a put»iic house in the village, and a blanket thrown 
over him. The major, in his last moments, was frequently insulted by the pii- 
vates of the legiou.'' Stednian, 



Southern Department of the United States, 71 

arriving aliont this time, lord Cornwallis was jippointed to under- 
take the investiture of the town on the north side of Cooper River, 
with con-iiderable augmentation to the corps operaling under Web- 
ster Sir Henry Clinton had now completed his second parallel 
without interruption, Lincoln wisely determining to preserve his 
force undiminished by oti'ensive efforts on liis part, that he might 
be more able to meet a slortn, or to make good his retreat. 

But seeing that a third parallel must bring the enemy upon his 
canal, and render further resistance chimerical, he determined to 
interrupt its prosecution Lieutenant colonel Henderson, of the 
south Carolina line, commanded a night sortie : it was executed 
with honour to the commandant and his detachment ; but so tho- 
roughly stable were the enemy's advances, that it was ineffectual, 
and a repetition was never attempted. 

Lord Coriuv-illis having, with his detachment, joined lieutenant 
colonel Wtfbster, the retreat of the girrison became scarcely prac- 
ticaSie, nevertheless su<;h was the solicitude of the American gene- 
ral to save i)is army for the defence of the country, that he called 
a council of war to ascertain, through their advice, the course to 
be pursue I. No longer doubtmg of the fill of the town, the coun- 
cil recommended that an offer of surrender should be made nn two 
conditions : viz. Safety to the persons and property of the inhab- 
itants ; and permission to the garrison to continue in arms. The 
first condition was that which every conqueror ought to giant with 
pleasure ; the second, that which no conqueror can grant, unless 
situated very differently from the British commander. The pro- 
position was rejected ; and the besiegers pressed forward on their 
road to victory. The admiral prepared a detachment from his fleet 
under captain Hudson to attack Fort Moultrie, from which colonel 
Pinckney, and a greater part of the garrison, had been withdrawn 
soon alter the fleet passed the fort. Why a single man should have 
been lett, much as the lines before Charleston required additional 
force, seems inexplicable, especially after the evacuation of our 
small posts at Lempriere's Point, and on the Wando,* 

The menace against Fort Moultrie produced surrender: the flag 
of that renowned post was now lowered ; and the remnant garrison, 
about two hundred men, were made prisoners. 

The American cavalry, after the surprise at Monk's Corner, 
withdrew to the north of the Santee for security, where lieutenant 
colonel White, of Moylan's regiment, took the connnand. This 
ofiicer, dis(-overmg that lord Cornwallis extended his foraging par- 
ties to the southern banks of the river on which he was encamped, 
determined to interrupt the collection of his supplies. Prepared 
to execute this proper decision, upon the tirst notice of the ene- 

•Lord Cornwallis had taken possession of Mount Pleasant, which produced 
the evacuation of Lernpriere's and Waudo posts. 

It applied as precisely to the withdrawing of the garrison Iroin Fort Moul- 
trie; as that post had newer been fortified in this f^uarter, and was, of course, 
subject to approach without diflicultf. 



72 Memoirs of the War in the 

my's approTich, he passed the Santee, struck at the foe, broke up 
the forage excursion, captured most of the party, with which he 
retired to Lenew's Ferry upon the Santee, where he had ordered 
boats to meet him ; and at the same time communicating his success 
to lieutenant colonel Buford, who commanded a regiment of Virgi- 
nia levies, (^lationed near the ferry, on the north side of the river,, 
requiring his aid in the transportation of himself and prisoners to 
the opposite shore. 

How it happened is not ascertained ; but it did happen, that 
Buford's co-operation, nor the boats ordered by White were felt or 
seen ; and the successful lieutenant colonel, expecting instantly the 
means of conveyance, incautiously waited on the southern bank 
of the river instead of moving to some secret i«nd strong position. 

Lieutenant colonel Tarleton was on his march to Lenew's Ferry 
with his cavalry ; sent thither by the British general to procure 
intelligence ; falling in wilh a royalist, he was informed of White's 
success, and instantly pressed forward to strike him. He cam^ up 
with our cavalry on the banks of the Santee, and repeated the ca- 
tastrophe of Monk's Corner. The knowledge of the country was 
a second time beneficial to the fugitives : the swamps saved some, 
while olhers swam the river. Between thirty and forty only were 
killed and taken. 

The evacuation of our small posts on Wando and Lempriere's 
Point, vvith the surrender of Fort Moultrie, and the second discom- 
fiture of our cavalry, gave to the enemy uncontrolled possession of 
all the country between the Cooper and Santee Rivers, and extin- 
guished the glimmering hopes that had been still entertained of the 
practicability of a retreat from the town. 

Soon followed the completion of the third parallel, which placed 
the garrison at the mercy of the besiegers. Unwilling, from mo- 
tives of humanity, to increase the hardships of the untbrtunate, 
the British admiral and general a second time demanded surrender. 
Lincoln now, from necessity, yielded up his army ; but, still anx- 
ious to save the militia and inhabitants from captivity, he excepted 
them in his assenting answer, which exception being declared in- 
admissible, the negociation ceased. 

Reluctantly sir Henry Clinton renewed the contest by opening 
the batteries of the third parallel, and pushed his works under 
their tire to the brink of the canal, which by a sap to the dam was 
drained. This first barrier was now possessed by the enemy, and 
a double sap carried thence under the abbatis, within thirty steps 
of our work. For two days, the fire from the third parallel con- 
tinued without intermission, and with great execution ; and the 
sharp shooters were planted so close to our lines as to single out 
every man who exposed himself to view. 

The enemy being prepared to strike the last blow, the orders 
for assault only remained to be given, when the inhabitants became 
assured that the concluding scene could not long be deferred, and 
though heretofore devoted to the defence of the town, now with 



Southern Department of the United States. 73 

one accord supplicated general Lincoln to relinquish the exception 
made in their favour, and to accept the terms proffered.* 

The amiable Lincoln could not long«>r hesitnte in stopping the 
effusion of hlood He communicated to sir Henry Clinton his 
readiness to lay down his arms upon the conditions before offered. 

Highly honourable was the conduct of the British commanders. 
They did not press the unfortunate, but agreed that the terms be- 
fore rejected should form the basis of capitulation, which being 
soon prepared, signed and ratified, Charleston was surrendered on 
the 12th, six days after the third parallel was finished.! 

* This change in temper and feelings of the people of Charleston belongs to 
man similaily situated all over the world ; and therefore military commandants, 
in taking military measures, while they hear with patience and decorum, the 
desires of the inhabitants, ought never to regard them in the adoption of their 
plans or measures. General Lincoln no more ought to have been influenced 
by the remonstrances of the citizens of Charleston, when weighing in his mind 
the propriety of evacuation, than ought a tender father to regaid the crying of 
his child on his adniinistering a dose of physic to save its life. 

t Charletton, May 11, 1780. 
Sir: 
The same motives of humanity which inclined you to propose articles of 
capitulation to this garrison, induced me to offer those I had the honour of send- 
ing you on the 8th instant. They then appeared to me such as I might proffer, 
and you receive, with honour to both parties. Your exceptions to thein, as 
they principally concerned the militia and citizens, I then conceived were such 
ns could not be concurred with ; but a recent application from those people, 
wherein they express a willingness to comply with them, and a wish on my 
part to lessen, as much as may be, the distresses of war to individuals, lead me 
now to offer you my acceptance of them. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 
(Signed) B. LINCOLN. 

His excellency sir H. Cx^intow. 

Camilf before Charleston, May 11, 1780. 
Sir: 
When you rejected the favourable terms which were dictated b}' an earnest 
desire to prevent the effusion of blood, and interposed articles that were wholly 
inadmissible, both the admiral and myself were of opinion, that the surrender 
of the town at discretion was the only condition that should afterwards be 
attended to; but as the motives which then induced them are still prevalent, 
I now inform you that the terms then offered will still be granted. 

A copy of the articles shall be sent for your ratification as soon as they can 
be prepared ; and imme.'liately after they are exchanged, a detachment of gren- 
adiers will be sen! to take possession of the horn- work opposite your main gate. 
Every arrangement which may conduce to good order in occupying the town, 
shall be settled before noon to-morrow ; and at tliat time your garrison will 
march out. 

I have the honour to be, &:c. 
H. CLINTON. 
Major general Lincoln. 

.Articles of capitulation between their excellencies sir Henry Clinlon, Mariot 
Jtrbulhnot, Esq., and major general Benjamin Lincoln 
Art. 1st. That all acts of '.o-tility and work shall cease between tlie be- 
siegers and the besieged, until the articles of capitulation shall be agreed on, 
signed, and executed, or collectively rejected. 
10 



74 Memoirs of the War in the 

The adverse generals, in their official despatches, speak in very 
appiuving terms of the zeal and gallantry with tvhich they were 
respectively supported. The loss was by no aieans correspondent 

Answer. All acts of hostility and work shall cease, until the articles of cap- 
itulation are finally agreed to or rejected. 

Art. 2H. '1 he town and fortifications shall be surrendered to the commander 
in chief of the British forces, such as they now stand. 

Answer. The town and fortifications, with the shipping at the wharves, artil- 
lery, and all other public stores whatsoever, shall be surronriered in their pre- 
sent Slate to the commanders of the investing forces ; proper officers shall attend 
from the lespective departments to receive them. 

Art. 3d. 'I'he continental troops and sailors, with their baggage, shall be 
condijcte'd to a pla<:e to be agreed on, where they shall remain prisoners of war 
until exchanged. V\ hile prisoners, they shall be supplied with good and whole- 
some provisions in such <|uantity as is served out to the troops of his Britannic 
majesty. 

Answer. Granted. 

Art. 4th. The militia now in garrison shall be permitted to return to their te- 
spentive homes, and be secured in (heir persons and property. 

Answer. The mitiiia now in garrison shall be permitted to return to their re- 
spective homes as prisoners on parole; which parole, ns long as they observe, 
sliall secure them from being molested in their property by the British troops. 

Art. 5tb. The sick and wounded shall be continued under the care o( iheir 
own surg' ons, and be supplied wixh medicine and such necessaries as are al- 
lowed to the Biitish hospitals. 

Answer, (iranted. 

Alt. 6th. The officers of tlic army and navy shall keep their horses, swords, 
pistols, and baggage, which shall not be searched, and retain their servants. 

Answer. Granted, except with respect to the horses, which will not be allow- 
ed to go out of the town; but may be disj)osed of by a person left from each 
corps for that purpose. 

Art. 7th. The garrison shall, at an hour appointed, march out with shoulder- 
e.l arms, drums beating, and colours flying, to a place to be agreed on, where 
they will pile their arms. 

Answer. The whole garrison shall, at an hour to be appointed, march out 
of the town to the ground bi tweeii the works of the place and the canal, where 
they will deposit their arms. The drums are not to beat a British march, or 
coloms to be unca.~ed. 

Art. iJlh. Thrtt the French consul, his house, papers, and other moveable pro- 
perty, shall be pintpcted and untouched, and a proper time granted to him for 
retiiing to any place that may afterwards be agreed upon between him and the 
commandei in chief of the Briti>h foices. 

Answer Agreed, with this restriction, that he is to consider himself as a 
prisoner on parole. 

Art. 9 That the citizens shall be protected in their persons and proper- 
ties. 

Answer. All civil officers, and the citizens who have borne arms during the 
siege, must be prisoners on parole ; and with respect to their property in the 
city, shall ha\e the same terms as are granted to the mditia : and all oiher per- 
sons now in the town, not lu be described in this or other article, are, notwith- 
standing, understood to be prisoners on parole. 

Alt. lOih. That a twelve month's time be allowed all such as do not choose 
to continue under the British government to dispose of their effects real and 
personal, in the state, without any molestiition whatever; or to remove such 
part thereof as they chouse, as well as themselves and families ; and that, dur- 
ing thai time, they or iiuy of them may have it at their option to reside occa- 
sionally in town or country. 

Answer. The discussion of this article of course cannot possibly be entered 
Into at present. 



Southern Department of the United States. 75 

to the length and obstinacy of the conflict, because of the safe and 
judicious system adopteit by the besieger in his sidviinces, and fiom 
the in;idequacy of the garrison, which induced the besieged to hus- 
band with care his force, in the hope that some propitious event 
might occur on the part of our ally, and force sir Henry Clinton 
io change his |)l;m of operations, as had taken place with Lincoln 
himself before Savannah ; and relying also upon the reiterated as- 
surance of ample support from congress and the government of 
North and South Carolina. 

The enemy lost seventy killed, and one hundred and eighty-nine 
wounded: our loss, including militia and inhabitants, amounted to 
one hundred and two killed, and one hundred and tifty seven wound- 
ed. Among the former was lieutenant colonel Kichard Parker, of 
the first Virginia regiment. He was one of that illustrious band of 
youths who tirst flew to their country's standard when she was 
driven to unsheath the sword. Stout and intelligent, brave and en- 
terprising, he had been advanced from the command of a company 
in the course of the war to the command of a regiment. .'\ I ways 
beloved and respected, tate in the siege he received a ball in the 
forehead, and fell dead in the trenches, embalmed in the tears 
of his faithful soldiers, and honoured by the regret of the whole 
army. 

The British official statement give a total of prisoners exceeding 
five thousand, including, no doubt, all the inhabitants capible of 
bearing arms, it being certain that Lincoln's continental force did 
not reach two thousand, exclusive of oflicers, when he surrender- 
ed. His effective militia, by his official return, amounted at the 
same time to five hundred men. In addition we lost, by the Bri- 
tish account, one thousand seamen, American and French, with 
four hundred pieces of ordnance, abundant magazines of military 
and naval stores, and all the shipping in the harbour.* The loss 
of men, stores, &.c., though somewhat exaggerated, was a severe 

Art. nth. That the same protection to their persons anrl properties, and flie 
same time for the removal of their effects, be given to the suhjecis of France 
and Spain, as are required for the citizens in the preceding article. 

Answer. The subjects of France and Spain shall have tl»e same terms as are 
granted to the French consul. 

Art. l3th. That a vessel be permitted to go to Philadelphia with the general's 
despatches, which are not to be opened. 

Answer. Granted; and a proper vessel with a flag will be provided for that 
purpose. 

All public papers and records must be carefully preserved and faithfully de- 
.livered to s>uch persons as shall be appointed to receive them. 

Done in Charleston, May 12th, 1780. 

B. LINCOLN. 

Done in camp before Charleston, May I2ih, I7s0. 

Signed tl. CLINTON. 

M. ARBUTHNOT. 

*• Return of the ships and vessels taken and destroyed in the siege of Chailes- 
ton. The Bricole, pierced for sixty, mounting foriy-four guns, twenty-four and 
eighteen poundeis, her captain, officers and coinpHiiy, prisoners. Queen of 
France, twenty-eight nine pounders, sunk, her captain and company prisoners. 



76 Memoirs of the War in the 

blow upon the United States, and excited very gloomy sensations 
throughout America. The error of risking a country to save a 
town which only can be retained by the reduction of the country, 
was now perceived with all its pernicious consequences. 

Nevertheless, so well established was the spotless reputation of 
the vanquished general that he continued to enjoy the undiminish- 
ed respect and confidence of congress, of the army, and of the 
commander in chief. 

During the winter the king of Spain had been accepted as media- 
tor by the king of England and his most christian majesty, with the 
ostensible and laudable view of putting a stop to the ravages and 
waste of war. 

The negotiation terminated unsuccessfully ; and the mediating 
power united with France in the contest. Timely communication 
of the resolution of the Spanish court was sent to Don Galvez, the 
governor of New Orleans. Availing himself of the information, 
he collected a military force, and falling upon the unprepared Brt- 
tisli settlements on the Mississippi, annexed them to the govern- 
ment of Spain. Soon after his return to New Orleans, Don Galvez 
made arrangements lor the reduction of West Florida. In the 
month of January he embarked two thousand men on board of 
transports under convoy of a small squadron, and sailed for the 
bay of Mobile. 

Unluckily he encountered a sform in his voyage, and suffered 
severely. Several of the vessels foundered ; many of the troops 
perished ; and most of his stores were lost. With the remainder 
he at length entered the bay of Mobile. Here he established him- 
self, and waited for a supply of men and stores from New Orleans. 
These having reached him, he stood up the bay, and on the 25th 
of February landed in the vicinity of the town of Mobile, where 
the English had erected a stockade fort, then garrisoned by one 
company of regulars. Don Gaivez pursuing the cautious system 
exempliiied by sir Henry Clinton before Charleston, beset this 
little stockade with regular approaches, labouring at them inces- 
santly until the middle of March, when opening a battery of heavy 
cannon he demolished it in twelve hours. The garrison surren- 
dered by capitulation. Had the dilutoriness of the Spanish opera- 
tions consumed a few days more, Don Galvez would have been 
compelled to relinquish his enterprise, as general Campbell, press- 
ing forward by forced marches with a body of troops from St. 
Augustine, approached the neighbourhood of Mobile soon after 
it surrendered. This incursion gratified the feelings of the defen- 
ders of the southern States, as it cherished the expectation that 

Notre Dame, brig, sixteen guus, sunk, captain and company prisoners. Pro- 
vidence, thirty-two eighteen and twelve pounders, taken, captain and company 
prisoners. Ranger, twenty -six pnimders, taken, crew piisoneis. 

French ships. L'Aveuture, twenty-six nine and six poimriers, captain and 
crew prisoners. Polacre, sixteen six pounders, captain and crew prisoners. 
Some empty brigs, and other smaller vessels, lying at the wharves, taken, with 
four row galleys. 



Southern Department of the United States. 77 

ihe invasion of the tivo Floridas already begun would be pro- 
secuted, and consequently would employ some of the enemy's 
troops, thus diminishing the force against which they had to con- 
tend. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

TT E have seen that, for the two years subsequent to the conclu- 
sion of our tceaty with France, in pursuance of the plan adopted 
by Louis XVI, a French fleet had annually visited our coast. Al- 
though heretofore disappointed in the expected benefits of extend- 
ing naval co-operation to our army, it could not be doubted, but that 
the same wise cours^e would be pursued this summer, especially as 
now, the fleet of Spain was added to that of France. Sir Hc^.nry 
Clinton, aware of this probable event, hastened the completion of 
his measures for the security of his conquests. Solicitous to avoid 
that interruption to his return to New York, which delay might in- 
terpose, he wisely determined to pursue in his arrangements the 
dictates of clemency and of justice, the only possible way to secure 
the submission of freemen. In this spirit he published a manifesto 
calling to the recollection of the inhabitants, his avoidance hereto- 
fore of urging their interference in the contest, because he was un- 
willing to involve them in hazard so long as the issue was in sus- 
pense. That the state of things being completely changed, not only 
by the surrender of Charleston, but by the destruction or capture 
of the various armed corps in the country, it was time that the friends 
of peace and of the royal government should boldly come forth and 
contribute by their assistance to the restoration of order and tran- 
quillity. He proposed that the militia with families should arm for 
the security of the province, while the youtb should imbody to serve 
six months with the army, enjoying the privilege of acting only in 
the Carolines and Georgia, assuring to them the same treatment and 
compensation as was allowed to the regulars, and permitting them 
to elect their own officers, with an immunity from all further military 
duty after the expiration of six months, excepting the ordinary mil- 
itia duty at home. To men disposed to continue upon their farms, 
and to obey the existing powers, the proffered conditions could not 
be unacceptable. But to those in whose generous breasts were 
deeply planted the love of country, and the love of liberty, accor- 
dance with the proposition was not to be expected: they would 
abandon their homes, and unite with the defenders of their country 
whenever called upon. These of course fled the state, determined 
never to arm against a cause which they believed to be the cause 
of right 

On the 22d of May the general issued his proclamation, cherish- 
ing, by assurances of protection and support, the king's peaceful 
subjects, and menacing all who should hereafter be found in arms, 
or detected in any resistance or combination to resist the lawful au. 
thority with the confiscation of property, and condign corporal pun- 



78 Memoirs of the War in the 

ishment. In nine flays after, another proclamation appeared from 
the general and admiral as joint commissioners for resloring peace, 
promising a full and tree pardon (o all who should forthwith return 
to their allegiance, excepting those who in the mock forms of jus- 
tice had shed the blood of their fellow citizens for their loyalty to 
their king; and pledging the restoration ofthe blessings of legal gov- 
ernment as soon as the state of things would permit, with exemption 
from the payment of taxes not imposed by their own assembly. 
The consequence of these measures was favourable to British views: 
the greater part ofthe inhabitants manifested a disposition to com- 
ply with the requisites enjoined; some armed in support ofthe roy- 
al government, while a few abandoned the country, determined if 
they fought on either side, it should be on that of America. 

While sir Henry Clinton was engaged in these arrangements 178O, 
lord Cornwallis had advanced towards the frontiers with a May. 
part of the force which was to remain under his command for the 
security and extension of the recent conquest. Formed into three 
divisions after reaching Dorchester, each division took the rout to 
the destined object : the first, under lieutenant colonel Brown, 
moved up the Savannah to Augusta ; while the second, led by lieu- 
tenant colonel Balfour, passed along the southern banks of the Wa- 
le re e to Ninety-six, and the third, directed by his lordship, advan- 
ced towards Camden, to which place it was understood lieutenant 
colonel Buford, commanding the remnant of the continental force 
in the south had retired after hearing ofthe fall of Charleston. Nei- 
ther of these divisions experienced the slightest resistance. Au- 
gusta, Ninety-six, and Camden, were possessed, fortified and gar- 
risoned ; all the intermediate country was submissive ; and protesta- 
tions of loyalty resounded in every quarter. Cornwallis had no 
sooner passed the Santee than he became informed of lieutenant 
colonel fiuford's relinquishment of Camden and precipitate march 
to North Carolina. Despairing himself to overtake this detach- 
ment, he determined on a pursuit with his cavalr}', strengthened 
by one hundred mounted infantry. This detachment was intrusted 
to lieutenant colonel Tarleton, an officer rising fast in military 
reputation. More distinguished for courage and activity than for 
management and address, his mode of operation was to overtake 
and fight. Entering without delay upon his expedition, he pressed 
forward with his usual zeal and relerity, though not so expeditious- 
ly as his anxious mind suggested to be necessary. Leaving hi? mount- 
ed infantry to follow, he advanced at the head of his cavalry with 
quickened pace, and marching one hundred and five miles in fifty- 
four hours, a rapid movement for his inferior horse, he approached 
Butbrd on his march in the friendly settlement of the Waxbaws on 
the 29th.* This officer immediately offered to surrender upon the 

* This account, although countenanced by other American narratives of Bu- 
ford''8 disastei, is probably inroriect. Tarleton declares he sun)nioned Bu- 
foiH, and offered him the same terms that had been granted to the garrison of 
Cliarlcston — and gives Buford's reply in these words: 



Southern Department of the United States, 79 

terms granted to the garrison of Charleston; an<l why the British 
cominaodaut rejected the proffered submission is inexplicable. The 
detachment would have been prisoners of war; and the barbarous 
scene which ensued to the disgrace of the victor, dimming the splen- 
dor of all his exploits, would not have taken place. The moment 
the negotiation ceased, Tarleton charged the still unprepared foe. 
Wounds and death, with some partial resistance, followed; and many 
of our soldiers fell under Che British sabre requesting quarters. 
The unrelenting conqueror shut his ears to the voice of suppli- 
cation, as he had steeled his heart against the claims of mercy By 
the official report, one hundred and thirteen were killed, one hun- 
dred and fifty so badly wounded at to be paroled on the ground, 
most of whom died ; and tifty-three prisoners being capable of mov- 
ing, graced the entry of the sanguinary corps into Camden ; at 
which place lord Cornwallis had arrived.* Lieutenant colonel 

" Waxhawt, May 29th, 1780. 
" Sir: 
I reject your proposal, and shall defend myself to the last extremity. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 



Lt, col. Tarleton, 
om'g- British Legion.''* 



ABM. BUFORD." 



Marshal, who was well acquainted with Buford, confirms the statement of 
Tarleton, and has probably given the best account of the affair which exists. 
h is as follows : 

*' A surrender was immediately demanded on the terms which had been grant- 
ed to the garrison of Charleston. These were refused. While the flags were 
passing, Tarleton continuei! to make his dispositions for the assault. The in- 
stant the truce was over, his cavalry made a furious charge on the Americans, 
who had received no orders to engage, and who seem to have been uncertain 
whether to defend' themselves or not. In this state of dismay and confusion, 
some threw down their arms and begged for quarter, while others fired ob the 
assailants. No quarter was given. Colonel Buford with a few cavalry es- 
caped ; and about one hundred infantry, who were somewhat advanced, saved 
themselves by flight ; but the reginient was almost demolished. The official 
account given by colonel 'I'arleton, the exactness of which is not questioned, 
states one hundred and thirteen to have been killed on the spot, one hundred 
and fifty to have been so badly wounded as to be paroled because ihey were 
incapable of being moved ; anti the remaining (ifiy-three to have b»en brought 
away as prisoners. The loss of the British amounted only to twelve killed, 
and five wounded. 

An attempt was made to justify this carnage, by alleging that the Americans, 
after affecting to yield, had again taken up their arms, and fired on the assai- 
lants. The American officers who escaped the massacre of the day, aver the 
contrary; and when their situation comes to be considered, there is much rea- 
son to believe that the fact conforms to their statement of it." 

I do not know from what source the author of the u einoirs derived his gtnte- 
ments — probably from his remembrance of oral remarks made^ near tlie time of 
this transaction- £d. 

♦ How lord Cornwallis could encourage such barbarity, by omitting to pun- 
ish the perpetrator, has never been saiistactorily explained. It tended to dimin- 
ish the ro>pect entertained lor his lordship's character in the camp of his enemy, 
which had been invariably admi-ed lot that happy mixture ol goodness as a 
man, \vi(h greatness as i solniei, iiert;ti»fofo strongly exemplified by his con- 
duct. Eon lay own part 1 am persuaded that tae commanding officer is as mucti 



80 Memoirs of the War in the 

Tarleton excused this butchery by asserting that, after their submis- 
sion, some of the Americans re-seized their arms and fired upon his 
troops. Admit the fact, though it is denied, some correction ought 
to have been inflicted on the guilty ; but the dreadf'jl sacrifice which 
took place was urjustifiable. In the annals of our Indian war no- 
thing; is to he found more shocking; and this bloody day only wan- 
ted the war dance, and the roasting fire, to have placed it first in 
the records of torture and ofdea^h in the west. 

This tragic expedition sunk deep in the American breast, and 
produced the unanimous decision among the troops, to revenge their 
murdered comrades whenever the blood stained corps should give 
an opportunity. This happened soon after at the Cowpens ; but 
lieutenant colonel Washington, who commanded the horse on that 
day with so much glory, while he hushed the just claims of ven- 
geance, preserved his laurels pure and spotless. 

Turning from this ire-exciting occurrence, let us search for the 
causes of our calamity. A small party of the saved American cav- 
alry was with Buford ; and had it been properly marched in his 
rear by half sections, in sight of each other, admitting the enemy's 
horse to have been the swifter, which is not probable, still the 
nearest sections would have been safe, should those in the rear 
have been overtaken ; and the American commandant, thus advis- 
ed of the enemy's approach, he could have prepared for his de- 
fence. This it seems never occurred to the retreating officer ; or, 
if it did occur, was neglected. To this want of precaution lieu- 
tenant colonel Buford added evidently much indecision, always fatal 
in the hour of danger. His soldiers were levies, mostly new 
troops ; but his officers were generally experienced, and many of 
them equal to any in our army. If Buford had prepared for bat- 
tle instead of sending in a flag, or even had so done while the ne- 
gotiation was going on, Tarleton must have been foiled. The road 
was lined on both sides with woods ; and the wagons, if placed in 
front and rear, filled in the body, under the body, and along the 
wheels, with as many men as could conveniently use their arms, 
would have afforded an obstruction sufficient to check effectually 
any charge made in the road. The main body disposed in the 
woods on each side the ro;id, with an adequate interval for its move- 
ments, between the front and the rear obstruction of wagons, would 
have given to (he infantry an advantage which must have secured 
victory. There was, too, a consiilerable disparity of force in our 
favour. Tarleton had but one hundred and seventy dragoons, his 
mounted infantry far in the rear, while our force exceeded four 
hundred, inclading our small party of dragoons. Had Buford, thus 
posted, deemed it dangerous io continue in his position until night, 
least his antagonist should be reinforced, he might safely have mov- 
ed in the order suggested ; and the moment night had overspread 

bountl by the obligations of his station to punish the cruel, as the deserting soldier; 
and it is to be lamented, whenever he intentionally fails to do it, that he is not 
himself punished by his sovereign, 



Southern Department of the United States. 81 

the earth, his retreat would have been secured ; forJight is indis- 
pensable to the effectual operation of cavalry. Before the break 
of day he might have reached Charlotte, where he was s^ure of 
affectionate and gallant assistance from its patriotic inhabitants ; 
and where, too, he had reason to expect to find lieutenant colonel 
Porterfield, an officer of zeal and talents, who had marched from 
Virginia in the latter end of April, with a corps of horse, foot and 
artillery, amounting to four hundred men. But nothing of this sort 
was essayed, and our countrymen were wantonly slaughtered by 
an inferior foe. Lieutenant colonel Buford, with the horse, escap- 
ed, as did about eighty or ninety of our infantrj', who fortunately 
being advanced, saved themselves by flight. 

The calm which succeeded the sweeping success of the enemy 
from his debarkation continued uninterrupted ; and Cornwallis, 
shortly after Buford's defeat, advanced a corps of light infantry to 
the VVaxhavv settlement, inhabited by citizens whose love of coun- 
try remained unshaken even by these shocks. 

This settlement is so called from the Waxhaw creek, which 
passes through it, and empties itself into the Catawba. Brigadier 
Rutherford, of North Carolina, hearing of the advance of this 
corps, assembled eight hundred of the militia with a determination 
to protect the country. His troops can scarcely be said to have 
been armed ; they generally had fowling pieces iastead of muskets 
and bayonet, pewter instead of lead, with a very trifling supply of 
powder. Information of this assemblage being sent to Camden, 
the British detachment was recalled, and this valuer! settlement, 
rich in soil, and abounding in produce, was for this time happily 
released. The repose which the district enjoyed, in consequence 
of the abandonment of the station at the Waxhaws, was of short 
duration. So ardent was the zeal of the disaffected, and so per- 
suaded were they that rebellion in the south was crushed, that 
their desire to manifest their loyalty could not be repressed, 

A large body of loyalists collected under colonel Moore at 
Armsaour's mill on the 22d of June ; among whoo) were many 
who had not only taken the oath of allegiance to the «tate, but had 
served in arms against the British army. Rutherford lost no time 
in taking his measures to bring Moore to submissicn. But so des- 
titute was he of ammunition that only three hundred men could 
be prepared for the field. This detachment was intrusted to col- 
onel Locke, who was ordered to approach the enemy and watch 
his motions, while Rutherford continued to exert himself in pro- 
curing arms for the main body to follow under his own direction, 

Moore, finding an inferior force near him, determined to attack 
it, in which decision he was gallantly anticipated by Locke, who, 
perceiving the enemy's purpose, and knowing the hazard of re- 
treat, fell upon Moore in his camp. Captain Falls, with the horse, 
led, and rushing suddeni}', sword in hand, into the midst of the in- 
surgents, threw them into confusion, which advant ige Locke press- 
ed forward to improve, when he suspended the falling blow lA 
consequence of colonel Moore proposing a truce for an hour, with 

n 



8*J Memoirs of the War in the 

the view of amicable adjustment. During the negotiation, Moore 
and his associates dispersed, which appears to have been their sole 
obj ct in proposing the suspension of hostilities 

The cheering intelligence of the unmolested advance of the 
three detachments to Augusta, Ninety-six, and Camden, the estab- 
lishment of submission and professions of loyalty, which were 
every where proffered by the inhabitants, crowned by the destruc- 
tion of Buford, extirpating all continental resistance, confirmed the 
long indulged persuasion in the breast of Sir Henry Clinton, that 
he had reannexed Georgia and South Carolina to the British em- 
pire. He now determined, as his final act, to bolt doubly his con- 
quest. On the 3d of June, he issued his last proclamation, undoing 
of his own accord a very important condition established in his 
first, without consulting, much less receiving, the assent of the 
party who had accepted the terms proffered therein. He declared 
to the inhabitants who had, in pursuance of his pledged faith, taken 
parole, that, with the exception of the militia surrendered at 
Charleston, such paroles were not binding after the 20th of the 
month, and that persons so situated should be considered as liege 
subjects, and thenceforward be entitled to all the rights, and sub- 
jected to all the duties of this new state ; not forgetting to denounce 
the pains and penalties of rebellion against those who should with- 
hold due allegiance to the royal government. This arbitrary 
change of an understood contract affected deeply, and afflicted 
sorely, all to whom it applied ; and it was in the consequence, as 
its injustice merited, fatal to the bright prospect so gratifying to 
the British general. It demonstrated unequivocally that the hoped 
for state of neutrality was illusory and that every man capable of 
bearing arms, must use them in aid or in opposition to the country 
of his birth. In the choice to be made, no hesitation existed in 
the great mass of the people ; for our country was the general 
acclaim. The power of the enemy smothered for a while this 
kindling spirit ; but the mine was prepared ; the train was laid ; 
and nothing remained, but to apply (he match. Sir Henry Clinton, 
having secured the conquered state, as he fondly believed, em- 
barked on the 6th with the greater part of his army for New York, 
leaving lord Cornwallis with four thousand regulars to prosecute 
the reduction of the southern states.* Succeeding Clinton in his 
civil, as well as military, powers, his lordship was called from the 
field for the purpose of establishing the many arrangements which 
the altered condition of the state required. Commercial regula- 
tions became necessary, and a system of police for the government 
of the interior was indispensable. 

Previous to his departure from Camden, he had advanced a body 
of Highlanders under major M'Arthur to Cheraw Hill, on the Pe- 
dee, for the purpose of preserving in submission the country be- 
tween that river and the Santee, and for communicating readily with 

* The garrisons added to the field army amounted to 5,400 in South Carolina - 
and 1,100 in Georgia. 



Southern Department of the United States. SS 

bis friends in North Carolina, especially with the Highl-md settle- 
ment at Cross Creek. Through the agency of major M'Arthur a 
regular correspondence was estaldished with the ioyahsts : they 
wer»- advised of his lordship's determination, as soon as the ap- 
proaching harvest furnished the means of subsistence, to advance 
with his army into North Carolina, when he should count upon 
their active assistance, and in the meanwhile they were exhorted 
to continue passive under the evils to which they were exposed. 
At the same time recruiting officers were employed in South Caro- 
Fina and Georgia, by whose exertions the provincial regiments 
were considerably augmented. These preliminary measures for 
the invasion of North Carolina being in execution, his lordship re- 
paired to Charleston, leaving lord Rawdon in command of the army. 
Meanwhile major Davie returned to the county of MecUlenburg as 
soon as he recovered from the wounds received in the attack of 
Stono, and assembling some of his faithful associates of that district, 
took the field. 

Hovering near the British posts, he became acquainted with the 
intended movement of a convoy, with various supplies, from Cam- 
den, to the enemy's post of Hanging Rock, which, amounting only 
to a small company of infantry, was within the power of Davie's 
force. He made a rapid and long march in the night, and having 
eluded the hostile patroles, gained the route of the convoy five 
miles below Hanging Rock before the bieak of day. Here he 
halted in a concealed position. In a few hours the convoy appear- 
ed, and Davie, falling vigorously upon it, instantly overpowered 
its escort. The wagons and stores were destroyed ; the prison- 
ers, forty in number, were mounted on the wagon horses, and es- 
corted by the major, were safely brought within our lines. 

About the same time, captain Huck, of Tarleton's legion, had 
been detached by lieutenant colonel Turnbull, commanding at 
Hanging Rock, to disperse some of the exiles of South Carolina, 
who had lately returned to the state, and were collecting in the 
neighbourhood of that place to assist in protecting their country. 
The captain, with forty dragoons, twenty mounted infantry, and 
sixty militia, ventured thirty miles up the country, where the very 
exiles he was ordered to disperse, attacked and destroyed his de- 
tachment. The captain, notorious for his cruelties and violence, 
was killed, as were several others, and the rest dispersed. 

These breezes of fojtune fanned the dying embers of opposi 
tion. 



CHAPTER XVH. 

I HE southern war, from its commencement, had been peculiarly 
disastrous to the United States. Army after army had been defeat- 
ed, detachments cut off, posts carried ; and at length two stales 
were reannexed to the mother country, and the conquering army 
ready to invade a third. This alarming conjuncture necessarily 



84 Memoirs of the War in the 

engaged the ardent attention of congress and the commander in. 
chief. Virginia and North Carolina were again called upon to has- 
ten reinforcements f/ora their respective militia to the south ; the 
Maryland and Delaware lines, under the orders of major general 
Baron de Kalb, were put in motion for North Carolina ; and the 
conqueror at Saratoga was called from his retreat in Virginia, and 
charged to display the stars of America in the south. 

The annunciation of these preparations reanimated the patriots 
of Carolina and Georgia ; and the smothered discontents growing 
out of the despotic change, dictated by sir Henry Clinton's last 
proclamation, with the visitations daily experienced from an insolent 
licentious soldiery, began to burst forth. Lord Rawdon drew in 
M'Arthur from the Cheraw Hill, and broke up most of his small 
posts, dispersed throughout the country, concentrating the British 
force in the positions of Augusta, Ninety-six, and Camden. Pre- 
vious to this measure, the disaffected of North Carolina forgetting 
the salutary caution of lord Cornwallis, and sore under the neces- 
sary vigilance of the state government, had imbodied with the de- 
termination to force their way to the British camp. This ill-advis- 
ed insurrection was speedily crushed, as we have seen in the case 
of colonel Moore ; but colonel Bryan had the address to keep to- 
gether eight hundred of his followers, and to conduct them safely 
to the post at Cheraw Hill, although actively pursued by general 
Kathertbrd. Faithful adherents to the royal cause, they were form- 
ed into a military corps under their leader, and incorporated with 
the British troops. Meanwhile, the progress of Baron de Kalb 
was much retarded by the necessity he was under of procuring 
subsistence by his own exertions. He ac length reached Hillsbo- 
rough in North Carolina, where he halted until the preparations for 
his further advance were consummated. The militia of this state, 
being imbodied under general Caswell, were prepared to join the 
Baron on his route ; while brigadier general Stevens, with some 
militia from Virginia, was hastening to the appointed rendezvous. 
Caswell and Stevens were selected in consequence of past services. 
The first had, early in the war, uiven unquestionable proufs of 
his decision, zeal and activity, by the gallant stand he made, in 
1776, at Moore's bridge against a superior force, which terminat- 
ed in the complete discomfiture of the royalists, and the conse- 
quent suppression of a formidable insurrection. The second had 
commanded a continental regiment, during the campaigns of 1777 
and 1778 : he fought under Washington in all the battles of those 
years, very much respected as a brave, vigorous, and judicious 
officer. The baron de Kalb, leaving Hillsborough, had reached 
Deep river, where he -was overtaken on the 25th of July by gene- 
ral Gates, who was hailed to the command of the army with uni- 
versal gratulations. The continental force did not exceed one 
thousa[id five hundred men, including Armand's dragoons and three 
oompatiies of Harrison's regiment of artillery. The militia of 
Virginia and Nortli Carolina had not yet reached head quarters ; 
and lieutenant ccioncl Porti'rfield continuf^d oq the confines of South 



Southern Department of the United States. 85 

Carolina with a detachment of four hundred men. White and 
Washington, after the full of Charleston, had retired to North Caro- 
lina with a view of recruiting their regiments of cavalry (Moylan's 
and Baylor's originally) which had so severely suffered at Monk's 
Corner, and at Linier's Ferry ; and they solicited general Gates to 
invigorate their efforts by the aid of his authority, so as to enable 
them to advance with hini to the theaire of action. Gates paid no 
attention to this proper request, and thus deprived himself of the 
most operative corps belongmg to the southern army. Although 
unfortunate, these regiments had displayed undaunted courage, and 
had been taught in the school of adversity that knowledge which 
actual service only can bestow. It is probable that this injurious 
indifference on the part of the American commander, resulted from 
his recurrence to fhe campaign of 1777, when a British army sur- 
rendered to him unaided by cavalry ; leading him to conclude, that 
Armand's corps, already with him, gave an adequate portion ©f this 
species of force. Fatal mistake ! It is not improbable that the 
closeness and ruggedness of the country, in which be had been 
so triumphant, did render the aid of horse less material ; but the 
moment he threw his eyes upon the plains of the Carolinas, the 
moment he saw their dispersed settlements, adding ditficulty to 
difficulty in the procurement of intelligence and provisions ; know- 
ing too, as he did, that the enemy had not only a respectable body 
of dragoons, but that it had been used without intermission, and 
with much effect ; it would seem that a discriminating mind must 
have been led to acquiesce in the wish sugge^sted by the two offi- 
cers of horse. 

To the neglect of this salutary proposition, may with reason, be 
attributed the heavy disaster soon after experienced. In no coun- 
try in the world are the services of cavalry more to be desired than 
in that which ivas then committed to the care of major general Gates ; 
and how it was possible for an officer of his experience to be re- 
gardless of this powerful auxiliary, remains inexplicable. Calcula- 
ting proudly on the weight of his name, he appears to have slighted 
the prerequisites to victory, and to have hurried on to the field of 
battle with the impetuosity of youth ; a memorable instance of the 
certain destruction which awaits the soldier who does not know 
how to estimate prosperity. If good fortune begets presumption, in- 
stead of increasing circumspection and diligence, it is the sure pre- 
cursor of deep and bitter adver-sify. 

General Gates leaving behind the broken and gallant remains of 
our cavalry, quickly put his army in motion, taking the direct road 
to the enemy which led through a steril and thinly settled country. 
The baron de Kalb had prudently fixed upon a route more to the 
right, which, though longer, passed through well improved settle- 
ments, yielding in abundance wholesome provisions for the troops. 
The extreme want, to which the army was exposed by this sin- 
gular decision of general Gates, was productive of serious ills. 
The troops substituting green corn and unripe fruit for bread, 
disease ensued ; which in its effect, reduced considerably oar force- 



S6 Memoirs of the War in the- 

The horses, destitute of forage, were unable to support those 
sudden persevering marches, so often necessary in war. The 
strength and spirits of the army became enfeebled and low, when 
true policy required they should have been braced to the higtu^st 
pilch, inasmuch as not many days could intervene before it would 
approach the enemy, always ready for battle, and now urged to 
seek it by the most cogent considerations. 

The advance of Gates to South Carolina roused into action all the 
latent energies of the slate. The most resolute of the militia, indig- 
nant at the treatment they had received, and convinced by sir Henry 
Clinton's proclamation, which had been faithfully acted upon by lord 
Cornwallis, that repose during the war was a chimerical expecia- 
tion, determined to become open from concealed enemies, in the 
country between Pedee and Santee the spirit of revolt manifested it- 
self by an overt act. Major M'Arthur, when retiring from ^_ ne- 
raw Hill, had availed himself of the river to transport his sick to 
Georgetown : at which place had been established a small British 
post. Colonel Mills, with a party of militia, formed the escort for 
the sick. As soon as the boats had reached a proper distance from 
M'Arthur, the militia rose upon their colonel, who with diffictilty, 
escaped, made prisoners of the sick, and conveyed them safely into 
North Carolina. 

In the district lying between Camden and Ninety-six, the like de- 
termination of the inhabitants to turn upon their invader was exhibit- 
ed. A lieutenant colonel Lyle, who, in pursuance of sir Henry 
Clinton's proclamation, had exchanged his parole for a certificate 
of his beiijg a liege subject, led a great portion of the regiment to 
which he belonged, wit!i iheir arms and accoutrements, to the fron-r 
tiers ; where they joined their countrymen now assembling to unite 
their efiorts in support of the American army, advancing under 
Gates. These unexpected symptoms of a general rising of the 
people did not a little embarrass the British general, who wisely 
determined to seek battle without delay ; not doubting but that the 
most effectual remedy for the growing disorders would be the de- 
struction of that force on whose prowess these bold adventurers 
grounded their hope of ultimate success. 

Upon the fall of Charleston, many of the leading men of the 
state of South Carolina sought personal safety with their adherents, 
in the adjoining states. Delighted at the present prospect, these 
faithful and brave citizens hastened back to their country to share 
in the perils and toils of war. 

Among them were Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter ; both 
colonels in the South Carolina line, and both promoted by governor 
Rutledge to the rank of brigadier in the militia o^ the state. Ma- 
rion was about forty eight years of age, small in stature, hard in 
visage, healthy, abstemious and taciturn. Enthusiastically wedded 
to the cause of liberty, he deeply deplored the condition of his 
beloved country. The commoniveal was his sole object ; nothing 
seltish, nothing mercenary, soiled his ermin character. Fertile in 
stratagem, he struck unperceived : and retiring to those hidden 



iSoutJtern Department of the United States. 87 

retreats, selected by himself, in the morasses of Pedee and Black 
River, he placed his corps not only out of the reach of his foe, 
but often out of the discovery of his friends.* A rigid disciplina- 
rian, he reduced to practice the justice of his heart ; and during 
the difficult course of warfare, through which he passed, calumny 
itself never charged him with violaung the rights of person, pro- 
perty, or humanity. Never avoiding danger, he never rashly 
sought it ; and acting for all around him as he did for himself, he 
risked the lives of his troops only when it was necessary. Neither 
elated with prosperity, nor depressed by adversity, he preserved 
an equanimity which won tlie admiration ot his friends, and exact* 
ed the respect of his enemies. The country from Camden to the 
sea-coast between the Pedee and Santee rivers, was the theatre of 
his exertions. 

Sumter was younger than Marion, larger in frame, better fitted 
in strength of body to the toils of war, and, like his compeer, de- 
voted to the freedom of his country. His aspect was manly and 
.stern, denoting insuperable firmness, and lofty courage. He was 
not over scrupulous as a soldier in his use of means, and was apt 
to make considerable allowances for a state of war. Believing it 
warranted by the necessity of the case, he did not occupy his mind 
with critical examinations of the equity of his measures, or of their 
bearings on individuals ; but indiscriminately pressed forward to 
his end — the destruction of his enemy, and liberation of his coun- 
try. In his military character he resembled Ajax ; relying more 
upon the fierceness of his courage than upon the results of unre- 
laxing vigilance and nicely adjusted combination. Determined to 
deserve success, he risked his ovvn life and the lives of his associ- 
ates without reserve. Enchanted with the splendor of victory, he 
would wade through torrents of blood to attain it. This general 
drew about him the hardy sons of the upper and middle grounds ; 
brave and determined like himself familiar with difficulty, and fear- 
less of danger. He traversed the region between Camden and 
Ninety six. 

A third gentleman quickly followed their great example. An- 
drew Pickens, younger than either, inexperienced in war, with a 
sound head, a virtuous heart, and a daring spirit, joined in the noble 
resolve to burst the chains of bondage riveted upon the two south- 
ern states, and soon proved himself worthy of being ranked with 
his illustrious precursors. This gentleman was also promoted by 

I * Lieutenant colonel Lee was ordeied to join Marioo after Greene deter- 
mined to turn tlie war back to South Carolina in 1781. 'An officer, with a 
small party, preceded Lee a few days march to find out Marion, who was 
known to vary his position in the swamps ol Pedee: soinetinies in South Car- 
olina, sometimes in North Carolina, and sometimes on the Black River. With 
the greatest difficulty did this officer learn how to communicate with the briga- 
dier ; and that by the accident of hearing among our friend* on the north side 
of the Pedee, of a small provision party of Marion's being on the same side 
of the river- Making himself known to this party, he was conveyed to the 
general, who had changed his ground since his party left him, which occrasiou- 
pt\ manv hours' search evta before hrs own men could tind him; 



88 Memoirs of the War in the 

the governor to the station of brigadier general ; and having as- 
sembled his associates of the same bold and hardy cast, distinguish- 
ed himself and corps in the progress of the war by the patience 
and cheerfulness with which every privation was borne, and the 
gallantry with which every danger was confronted. The country 
between Ninety-six and Augusta received his chief attention. 
These leaders were always engaged in breaking up the smaller 
posts and the intermediate communications, or in repairing losses 
sustained by action. The troops which followed their fortunes, on 
their own or their friends' horses, were armed with rifles ; in the 
use of which they had become expert ; a small portion only who 
acted as cavalry, being provided with sabres. When they ap- 
proached the enemy they dismounted, leaving their horses in some 
bidden spot to the care of a few of their comrades. Victorious or 
vanquished, they flew to their horses, and thus improved victory or 
secured retreat. 

Their marches were long and toilsome, seldom feeding more than 
once a day. Their combats were like those of the Parthians, sud- 
den and fierce ; their decisions speedy, and all subsequent mc:isQres 
equally prompt. With alternate fortunes they persevered to the last, 
and greatly contributed to that success, which was the first object 
of their hearts. 

With Marion on his right and Sumter on his left, and general 
Gates approaching in front, Rawdon discerning the critical event at 
hand, took his measures accordingly. 

He not only called in his outposts, but drew from the garrison of 
Ninety -six four companies of light infantry, and made known to 
lord Cornwallis the menacing attitude of his enemy. 

Sumter commenced his inroads upon the British territory by as- 
saulting, on the first of August, the post of Rocky Mount, in the 
charge of lieutenant colonel Turnbull, with a small garrison of one 
hundred and fifty of the New York volunteers and some South Ca- 
rolina militia. The brigadier, attended by the colonels Lacy, Er- 
wine, and Neale, having each collected some of their militia, re- 
paired, on the 30lh of July, to major Davie ; who still continued 
near the enemy, and was now encamped on the north of the Wax- 
haw's creek for the purpose of concerting a joint assault upon some 
of the British outposts. They were led to hasten the execution of 
this step, fearing that, by delay, their associates might disperse 
without having eff'ected any good. After due deliberation they 
came to the resolution of carrying the posts of Rocky Mount and 
Hanging Rock in succession. The first of these is situated on the 
west side of the Catawba, thirty miles from Camden, and the last 
was established on the east ?ide of the same river, twenty-four 
miles from Camden. They are distant from each other twelve 
miles. 

Sumter, having under him the three colonels, advanced with the 
main body upon Rocky Mount. While major Davie, with hi« corps 
and a part of the Mecklenburgh militia, under colonel Heaggins, 
marched, to Hanging Rock to watch the motions of the garrison, to 



Southern Department of the United States* "^9 

procure exact intelligence of the condition of the post, and to be 
ready to unite with Sumter in the intended blow. 

Rocky Mount station is fixed on the comb of a lofty eminence, 
encircled by open wood. This summit was surrounded by a small 
ditch and abbatis ; in the ceatre whereof were erected thre« log 
buildings, constructed to protect the garrison in battle, and per- 
forated with loop holes for the annoyance of the assailants. 

As Diivie got near to Hanging Rock he learned that three cotn^ 
panies of Bryan's loyalists, part of the garrison, were just return- 
ing from an excursion, and had halted at a neighbouring farm house. 
He drew ©ff, determlecd to fall upon this party. This was hand- 
somely executed, and completely succeeded. Eluding the senti- 
nels in one quarter with his infantry, and gaining the other point 
of attack vvith his horse undiscovered, by marching through some 
adjoining woods, he placed the enemy between these two divigions, 
each of which pressed gallantly into action. 

The loyalists, finding their front and rear occupied, attempted 
to escape in a direction, believed to be open, but were disappoint- 
ed ; the major having detached thither a party of his dragpons in 
time to meet th^eo). They weie all, except a few, killed and wound- 
ed ; and the spoils of victory were safely brought off, consisting 
of sixty horses with their trappings, and one hundred muskets and 
rifles. 

The brigadier approached Rocky Mount with his characteristic 
impetuosity ; but the British officer was found on his guard, and 
defended himself ably. Three times did Sumter attempt to car- 
ry it ; but being always foiled, having no artillery to batter down 
the houses, he drew off undisturbed by the garrison, having lost 
a few of his detachment, with colonel Neale, an active, determin- 
ed, influential officer, and retired to his frontier position on the 
Catawba. Here he reated no longer than was necessary to recruit 
his corps, refresh his horses, and provide a part of the provisions 
necessary to support him on his oext excursion. Quitting his rei- 
treat with his brave associates, Davie, Irvine, Hill, and Lacy, he 
darted upon the British line of communication, and fell on the post 
at Hanging Rock, (6th of August) which was held by major Carden 
with five hundred men, consisting of one hundred and sixty of the 
infantry of Tarleton's legion, a part ot colonel Brown's regiment, 
and Bryan's North Carolina corps, a portion of which had, a few 
da}'s before, been cut to pieces by major Davie. His attack was, 
through the error of his guides, pointed at the corps of Brjan, 
which, being suipiisejd, soon yielded and took to flight. Sumter 
pressed with ardour the advantage he had gained, and bore down 
upon the legion infantry, which was forced. He then fell upon 
Brown's detachment. Here he was received upon the point of the 
bayonet. The content grew fierce and the issue doubtful ; but at 
length the corps of Brown fell back, having lost nearly all its offi- 
cers and a great proportion of its soldiers. 

Hamilton's regiment, with the remains of Brown's and the legion 
infantry, pow formed in the centre of their position, a hpllo^r 
4Mluare« 12 



90 Memoirs of the War in the 

Sumter advanced with the determination to strike this last point 
of resistance ; but the ranks of the mihtia had become disordered ; 
and (he men scattered from success, and from the plunder of part 
of the British camp, so that only two hundred infantry, and Davie's 
dragoons, could be brought into array. The musketry opened ; 
but their iire was ineffectual : nor could Sumter, by all his exer- 
tions, again bnng his troops to risk close action with his well post- 
ed enemy, supported by two pieces of artillery. The cavalry un- 
der Davie fell upon a body of the loyalists, who, having rallied, had 
formed in the opposite quarter, and menaced our right llank. They 
were driven from their giound, and took shelter under the British 
infantry still in hollow square. 

The spoils of the camp, and the free use of spirits in which the 
enemy abounded, had for some time attracted and incapacitated 
many of our soldiers. It was therefore determined to retreat with 
the prisoners and booty. This wa>- done about twelve o'clock very 
leisurely in face of the enemy ; who did not attempt interruption, 
so severely had he suffered. A party was now for the tirst time 
seen drawn upon the Camden road, with the appearance of re- 
newal of the contest ; but on the approach of Davie it fell back. 
Our loss was not ascertained, from tlie usual inattention to returns 
prevalent with militia officers ; and many of our wounded were 
immediately carried home from the field of battle. The corps of 
Davie suffered niDst. Caplam M'Clure, of South Carolina, and 
captain Reed, of North Carolina, were killed ; colonel Hill, major 
Winn, and lieutenant Crawford, were wounded, as were captain 
Craighead, lieutenant Flenchau, and ensign M'Clure, of North 
Carolina. The British loss exceeded ours. Captain M'Cullock, 
who commanded the legion infantry with much personal honour, two 
other officers, and twenty men of the same corps, were killed, and 
nearly foity wounded. Many officers and men of Brown's regi- 
ment were also killed and wounded, and some taken. 

Bryan's loyalists were less hurt, having dispersed as soon as 
pressed. The error of the guides which deranged the plan of at- 
tack, the allurement of the spoils found in the enemy's camp, and 
the indulgence in the use of liquor, deprived Sumter of the victo- 
ry once within his grasp, and due to the zeal, gallantry, and per- 
severance of himself and his officers. 

Checked but not dismayed, disappointed but not discouraged, 
Sumter sought his remote asylum to recruit and repair. About 
this period Gates was advancing near to the scene of action. The 
Ameiican general, soon afler he entered South Carolina, directed 
his march towards Lynch's creek, the southern branch of the Pe- 
dee. keeping on his right the friendly and fertile country about 
Charlotte, the principal town of Mecklenburgh county. Lord 
Ravvdon, unwilling that Gates should find him in Camilen, where 
were deposited his stores, ammunitions and sick, advanced to a 
strong position, fifteen miles in front, on the southern bank of 
Lynch's creek. 

This being ascertained by general Gales, he moved to Lynch's 



Southern Department of the United States. 91 

opposite to lord Rawdon ; and the two armies remained for four 
days, separated only by the creek. Gates broke up from this 
ground inclinmg to his right, which putting in danger the British 
advanced post at Rudgely's mill, lord Rawdon directed its eva'ua- 
tion, and fell back to Logiown, in the vicinity of Camden. Here 
he became acquainted with the insurrection of the inhabitanis on 
Black river, headed by brigadier Marion, which, although sus- 
pected, it was presumed would have been delayed until the Ameri- 
can army should obtain some decisive advantage. Gates, desirous 
of opening his com nunication with Sumter, continued to advance 
upon the north side of Lynch's creek, and took post at Rudgely's 
mill, where he was joined by brigadier Stephens with seven hun- 
dred of the Virginia militia. At the same time he received infor- 
mation froin general Sumter that a detachment of the enemy from 
Ninety six, with stores for the main body at Camden, was on its 
march, which he could convniently intercept as it passed the fer- 
ry on the Wateree, one mile below Camden, if supplied with artil- 
lery to batter down a redoubt which covered the terry. Gates 
weakened his army, though in striking distance of his foe, by de- 
taching to Sumter four hundred men under the command of lieu- 
tenant colonel Woolford, of the Maryland line, with two light 
pieces. As soon as this detachment was put in motion, prepara- 
tion>« were miuJe to advance still nearer to Camden. 

The evacuation of Rudgely's mill, and the falling back of lord 
Rawdon from Lynch's creek, seem to have inspired general Gates 
with the presumption that his approach would drive the enemy 
from Camden. No conclusion more erroneous could have been 
drawn from a fair view of the objects and situation of the respec- 
tive armies. 

The British general was under the necessity of maintaining his 
position ; for retreat yielded up that country which he was bound to 
retain, and encouraged that spirit of revolt which he was bound to 
repress. All the disposable force under his orders had been con- 
centrated at Camden ; delay would not thicken his ranks, while 
it was sure to add to those of his adversary. Every considera- 
tion urged the British general to battle ; and no commander 
was ever more disposed than lord Cornwallis to cut out relief 
from embarrassment by the sword. The foundation of the policy 
pursued by general Gates, was laid in error ; and we ought not to 
be surprised at its disastrous termination. Had Gates not contident- 
ly presumed that a retrograde movement on the part o! the enemy 
would have been the etfectof his advance, he certainly would have 
detained Woolford's detachment, and ordered Sumter to join him ; 
it being unquestionable that victory in the plains of Camden would 
give to him the British army, and with it all the posts in South 
Carolina except Charleston. To this end his means ought to have 
been solely directed ; or, if he preferred the wiser course, to spin 
out the oampaign ••ondensing his main body, and beating the ene.ny 
in detail, he should have continued in his strong position behind 
Lynch's creek, ready upon Cornwallis's advance to have fallen 



92 3Iemoirs of the War iu the 

back apon its head waters, in the powerfhl and faithful counties qf 
Cabarrus, Rowan, and Mecklenburgh.* 

No doubt general Gates was unfortunately persuaded that he bad 
nothing to do but to advance upon his enemy, never supposing that 
so far from retiring, the British general would seize the proffered 
opportunity of battle. 

Unhappily for America, unhappily for himself, he acted under 
Ihis influence, nor did he awake from his reverie until the proxim- 
ity of the enemy was announced by his (ire in the night, preceding 
the fatal morning. 

Lord Cornwallis having been regularly informed of the passing 
occurrences, hastened to Camden, which he reached on the 13th ; 
spending the subsequent day in review and examination, he found 
his army very much enfeebled ; eight hundred being sick, his ef- 
fective strength was reduced to somewhat less than two thousand 
three hundred men, including militia, and Bryan's corps, which, 
together, amounted to serven hundred and fifty men. Judging from 
the exertions of congress and the states of Virginia and North Car- 
olina, by their publications, he rated his enemy at six thousand; in 
which estioiation his lordship was much mistaken, as from official 
returns on the evening preceding the battle, it appears that our 
force did not exceed four thousand, including the corps detaclped 
under lieutenant colonel Woolford ; yet there was a great disparity 
of numbers in our favour ; but we fell short in quality, our conti- 
nental horse, foot, and artillery, being unde* one thousand, where- 
as the British regulars amounted to nearly one thousand six hundred. 

Notwithstanding his diminished force, notwithstanding the vast ex- 
pected superiority of his enem}^ the discriminating mind of the 
British general paused not an instant in deciding upon his course. 

No idea of a retrograde movement was entertained by him. 
Victory only could extricate hiiu from the surrounding dangers ; 
and the quicker the decision, the better his chance of success. 
He therefore gave orders to prepare for battle, and in the evening 
of the 15th, put his army in motion to attack his enemy next morn- 
ing in his position at Rudgely's mill. 

Having placed Camden in the care of major M'Arthur, with the 
convalescents, some of the militia, and a detachment of regulars 
expected in the course of the day, he moved, at the hour of tea 
at night, in two divisions. The front division, composed of four 
companies of light infantry, with the twenty-third and thirty-third 
regiments, was commanded by lieutenant colonel Webster. 

* The inhabitants of these three counties, among the most populous in the 
state, were true and zealous in their maintenance of the revolution; and they 
were always ready to encounter any and every peril to support the cause of 
their hearts. Contiguous to the western border over the mountains, lived that 
Jiardy race of mountaineers, equally attached to the cause of our common 
country, and who rolled occasionally like a torrent on the hostile territory. 
The giouiid was strong-, and the soil rich and cultivated. In every respect, 
therefore, it was adapted to the American gei>eral until he had rendered him- 
self completely ready for offence. 



Souther n Department of the United States. 93 

The rear division, consisting of the legion infantry, Hamilton's 
regiment of North Carolinians, the volunteers of Ireland, and 
Bryan's corps of loyalists, was under the orders of lord Kawdon. 
Two battalions of the s«venly-first, with the legion cavalry, formed 
the reterve. 

After Gates had detached Woolford to Sumter, and prepared his 
army to move, it was resolved in a council of war to march on the 
night of the 15th, and to sit down behind Saunder's creek, within 
seven miles of Camden. Thus it happened that both the gene- 
rals were in motion at the same hour, and for the same purpose : 
with this material distinction, that the American general grounded 
his conduct in his mistaken confidence of his adversary's disposition 
to retreat ; whereas, the British commander sought for battle with 
anxiety, regarding the invasion of it by his antagonist as the high- 
est misfortune. 

Our bii^age, stores and sick, having been sent off to the friend- 
ly settlem^t of the Waxhavvs, the arm marched at ten o'clock 
at night. Armand's* legion, in horse and foot, not exceeding one 
hundred, moved as a vanguard, flanked by lieutenant colonel 
Portertield's corps on the right, and by major Armstrong's light 
infantry, of the North Carolina militia, on the left. The Maryland 
and Delaware lines composed the front division, under baron de 
Kalb •, the militia of North Carolina, under general Caswell, the 
centre ; and the Virginia militia, under brigadier Stephens, the 
rear. Some volunteer cavalry were placed to guard the baggage. 
Midway between Camden and Rudgely's mill, the two armies met, 
about one in the morning. They instantly felt each other; when 
the corps of Armand shamefully turned its back, carrying confusion 
and dismay into our ranks. The leading regiment of Maryland was 
disordered by this ignominious flight ; but the gallant Porterfield, 
taking his part with decision on the right, seconded by Armstrong 
on the left, soon brought the enemy's van to pause. Prisoners 
being taken on both sides, the adverse generals became informed 
of their unexpected proximity.! The two armies halted, each 

* Armand was one of the many French gentlemen who joined our armyi 
and was one of the few who were honoured with important commands. His 
officers were generally foreign, and his soldiers chiefly deserters. It was the 
last corps in the army which ought to have heen entrusted with the van post ; 
because, however unexceptionable the officers may have been, the materials 
of which the corps was composed did not warrant such distinction. 

t Mr. Marshall, in his life of Washinjjtot, gives a summary of the principal 
events in the southern war. This faithful historian tells us, that in the night, 
as soon as the skirmish terminated, some prisoners were brought to Gates ; from 
whom he learnt that the British army was in front. The general officers were 
immediately assembled. The intelligence received from the prisoners was com- 
municated to th-im, and their opinions asked on the measures to be adopted. 

General Stevens, of the Virginia miliiia, answered, that "It was now too 
late to cetreat." A silence of some moments ensued; and general Gates, wh* 
seems himself to have been disposed to try the chance of a battle, understand- 
ing silence to be an approbati<m of the sentiments delivered by Stevens, brpke 
up the council by saying, " Then we must fight : gentlemen, pleas* to take 
your posts," 



94 Memoirs of the War in the 

throbbing with the emotions which the van rencontre had excited. 
The British army displnyed in one Hne, which completely occupied 
the ground, each flank resting on impervious swamps. The infan- 
try of the reserve took post in a second hne, one half opposite the 
centre of each wing ; and the cavalry held the road, where the 
left ot the right wing united with the volunteers of Ireland, which 
corps formed the right of the left wmg. Lieutenant c«lonel Web- 
ster commanded on the right, and colonel lord Rawdon on the left. 
With the front line were two six and two three pounders, under 
lieutenant M'Leod of the artillery ; with the reserve were two six 
pounders. Thus arranged, confiding in discipline and experience, 
the British general waited anxiously for light. 

The Maryland leading regiment was soon recovered from the 
confusion produced by the panic of Armand's cavalry. Battle, al- 
though unexpected, was now inevitable ; and general Gates array- 
ed his army with promptitude. The second brigade of Maryland, 
with the regiment of Delaware, under general Gist, took the right ; 
the brigade of North Carolina militia, led by brigadier Caswell, the 
centre ; and that of Virginia, under brig.tdier Stevens, the left. 
The first brigade of Maryland was formed in reserve, under the 
command of general Suiallwood, who bad on York Island, in the 
beginning of the war, when colonel of the first regiment of Mary- 
land, deeply planted in the hearts of his country the remembrance 
of his zeal and valour, con-;picuously displayed in that the first of 
his fields. To each brigade a due proportion of artillery was allot- 
ted ; but we had no cavalry, as those who led in the night were 
still flying. Major geoeral baron de Kalb, charged with the line 
of battle, took post on the right ; while the general in chief, su- 
perintending the whole, placed himself on the road bjetween the 
line and the reserve. The light of day dawned, — the signal for 
battle. Instantly our centre opened its artillery, and the left of 
our line, under Stevens, was ordered to advance. The veterans 
of the enemy, composing its right, were of course opposed to the 
Virginia militia ; whereas they ought to have been faced by the 
continental brigade.* Stevens, however, exhorting his soldiers to 
rely on the bayonet, advanced with his accustomed intrepidity. 
Lieutenant colonel Otho Williams, adjutant general, preceded him 
with a band of volunteers, in order to invite the fire of the enemy 
before they were in reach of the militia, that experience of its 
ineHicacy might encourage the latter to do their duty. The Bri- 
tish general, closely watching our motions, dicovered this move- 
ment on the left, and gave orders to Webster to lead into battle 
witli the right. Tlie command was executed with the characteris- 

* General Gates did not, in Ivis disposition, conform to the judicious princi- 
ple which we find observed by general Lincoln ; or our continentals would have 
been posted on the left to oppose the British right. Indeed such seems to have been 
Gate's hurry, from the moment he was called to the command in the south, as 
to forbid that full in(|uiry into his enemy's and his own situation, as well as 
fntimate acquaintance with the cluiracler of his own and liis enemy's troops, 
so necessary to the pursuit of right measures in war. 



Southern Department of the Untied States* 96 

tic courage and intelligence of that officer. Our left was instantly 
overpowered by the assault ; and the brave Stevens had to endure 
the mortifying spectacle, exhibited by his flying brigade. Without 
exchanging n)ore than one fire with the enemy, they threw away 
their arms ; and sought that safety in flight, which generally can be 
obtained only by courageous resistance. The North Carolina bri- 
gade, imitating that on the right, followed the shameful example. 
Stevens, Caswell, and Gates himself, struggled to stop the fugitives, 
and rally them for battle ; but every noble feeling of the heart was 
sunk in base solicitude to preserve life ; and having no cavalry to 
assist their exertions, the attempted reclamation failed entirely. 
The continental troops, with Dixon's regiment of North Carolini- 
ans, were left to oppose the enemy ; every corps of whose army 
was acting with the most determined resolution. De Kalb and Gist 
yet held the battle on our right in suspense. Lieutenant colonel 
Howard, at the head of Williams's regiment, drove the corps in 
front out of line. Rawdon could not bring the brigade of Gist to 
recede : — bold was the pressure of the foe ; firm as a rock the 
resistance of Gist. Now the Marylanders were gaining ground ; 
but the deplorafele desertion of the militia F>aving left Webster un- 
employed, that discerning soldier detached some light troops with 
Tarleton's cavalry in pursuit, and opposed himself to the reserve 
brought up by Smalhvood to replace the fugitives. Here the bat- 
tle was renewed with fierceness and obstinacy. The Marylanders, 
with Dixon's regiment, although greatly outnumbered, firmly main- 
tained the desperate conflict ; and de Kalb, now finding his once 
exposed flank completely shielded, resorted to the ba3'0net. Dread- 
ful WrfS the charge I In one point of the line the enemy were 
driven before us with the loss of many prisoners. But while 
Smalhvood covered the flank of the second brigade, his left became 
exposed ; and Webster, never omitting to seize every advantage, 
turned the light infantry and twenty third regiment on his open 
flank. Smallwood, however, sustained himself with undiminish- 
ed vigour ; but borne down at last by superiority of force, the first 
brigade receded. Soon it returned to the line of battle ; — ngain 
it gave ground, and again rallied. Meanwhile de Kalb, with our 
right, preserved a conspicuous superiority. Lord Cornwallis, sen- 
sible of the advantages gained, and aware of the difficulty to which 
we were subjected by the shameful flight of our left, concentrated 
his force, and made a decisive charge. Our brave troops were 
broken ; and liis lordship, following up the blow, compelled the 
intrepid Marylanders to abandon the unequal contest. To the 
woods and swavnps, after performing their duty valiantly, these 
gallant soldiers were compelled to fly. The pursuit was continued 
with keenness, and none were saved but those who penetrated 
swamps which had been deemed impassable. The road was heap- 
ed with the dead and wounded. Arms, artillery, horses and bag- 
gage, were strewed in every direction ; and the whole adjacent 
rounuy presented evidences of the signal defeat. 

Our 1«S3 was very heavy. Mere thsn a third of the continental 



98 Memoirs of the War in the 

troops were killed and wounded ; and of the wounded one htindred 
and seventy were made prisoners. The regiment of Delaware was 
nearly annihilated ; and lieutenant colonel Vaughn and major Patton 
being taken, its remnant, less than two companies, was afterwards 
placed under the orders of Kirkwood, senior captain.* The North 
Carolina militia also suffered greatly ; more than three hundred were 
taken, and nearly one hundred killed and wounded. Contrary to 
the usual course of events and the general wish, the Virginia mil- 
itia, who sat the infamous example which produced the destruction 
of our army, escapted entirely, 

De Kalb, sustaining by his splendid example the courageous ef- 
forts of our inferior force, in his last resolute attempt to seize vic- 
tory, received eleven wounds, and was made prisoner. His yet 
lingering life was rescued from immediate death by the brave inter- 
position of lieutenant colonel du Bu^sson, one of his aids-de-camp; 
who embracing the prostrate general, received into his own body 
the bayonets pointetl at his friend. The heroic veteran, though 
treated with every attention, survived but a few days. Never were 
the last moments of a soldier better employed. He dictated a let- 
ter to general Smallwood, who succeeded to the command of his di- 
vision, breathing in every word his sincere and ardent affection for 
his officers and soldiers ; expressing his admiration of their late no- 
ble though unsuccessful stand ; reciting the eulogy which their bra- 
very had extoited from the enemy ; together with the lively delight 
such testimony of their valour had excited in his own mind, then ho- 
vering on the shadowy confines of death. In this endearing adieu 
he comprehended lieutenant colonel Vaughn, with the Delaware re- 
giment and the artillery attached to his division ; both of which corps 
had shared in the glory of that disastrous day. Feeling the pressure 
of death, he stretched out his quivering hand to his friend du Buys- 
son, proud of his generous wounds ; and breathed his last in bene- 
dictions on his faithful, brave division.! We lost, besides major 
general baron de Kalb, many excellent officers ; and among them 
lieutenant colonel Porterfield, whose promise of future greatness had 
endeared him to the whole army. Wounded in his brave stand in 
the morning, when our dragoons biisely fled, he was taken off the 

*The state of Delaware furnished one regiment onlj' ; and certainly no re- 
giment in the army surpassed it in soldiership. The remnant of that corps^ 
less than two companies, from the battle of Camden, was commanded by 
captain Kirkwood, wlio passed through the war with high reputation ; and yet, 
as the line of Delaware consisted but of one regiment, and that regiment was 
reduced to a captain's command, Kirkwood never could be promoted in regu- 
lar routine, — a very glaring defect in the organization of the army, as it gave 
advantages to parts of the same army, denied to other portions of it. Tlie se- 
quel is singularly hard. Kirkwood retired, upon peace, a captain ; and wheo 
the army under St. Clair was raised to defend the West from the Indian enemy, 
this veteran resumed liis svvoul as the eldest captain of the oldest regiment. 

In the decisive deleat of the 4th November the gallant Kirkwood fcDn 
bravely sustaining his point of the action. It was the Uttrty-third time lie 
had risked his life for his country ; and he died as he had IWed. the brave, tnev- 
itorious, unrewarded, Kirkwood.^ 

t See Appendix, D. 



Southern Department of the United States, 97 

field, never more to draw his sword! Brigadier Rutherford, of the 
North Carolina mihtia, and major Thomas Pinckney, of the South 
Carolina line, aid-de-camp to general Gates, were both wounded 
and taken. 

The EJritish loss is stated to have amounted to eighty killed, and 
two hundred and forty five wounded. 

in the dreadful gloom which now overspread the United States, 
the rellecting mind drew consolation from the undismayed gallantry 
displayed by a portion of the army, throughout the desperate con- 
flict ; and from the zeal, courage and intelligence, exhibited by 
many of our officers. Smallwood and Gist had conducted them- 
selves with exemplary skill and bravery. Stephens and Caswell 
both deserved distinguished applnu*©, .dthough both were the mor- 
titied leaders of s^irilleea troops. Colonel Williams, adjutant gen- 
eral, was conspicuous throughout the action ; cheerfully risking 
his valuable life out of his station, performing his assumed duties 
with precision and effect, and volunteering his person wherever 
danger called. Lieutenant colonel Howard demonstrated u solidity 
of character, which, on every future occasion, he displayed hon- 
ourably to himself, and advantageously to his country. The general 
in chief, although deeply unfortunate, is entitled to respect and re- 
gard. He took decisive measures to restore the action, by unceas- 
ing elTorts to rally the fugitive militia ; and had he succeeded, would 
have led them to the vortex of battle. By seconding the continen- 
tal troops with this rallied corps, he would probably have turned 
the fortune of the day, or have died the hero of Saratoga. 

None, without violence to the claims of honour and justice, caa 
withhold applause from colonel Dixon and his North Carolina regi- 
ment of militia. Having their flank exposed by the flight of the 
other militia, they turned with disdain from the ignoble example ; 
and fixing their eyes on the Marylanders, whose left they became, 
determined to vie in deeds of courage with their veteran comrades. 
Nor did they shrink from this daring resolve. In every vicissitude 
of the battle, this regiment maintained its ground ; and, when the 
reserve under Smallwood, covering our left, relieved its naked 
flank, forced the enemy to fall back. Colonel Dixon had seen 
service, having commanded a continental regiment under Washing- 
ton. By his precepts and example he infused his own spirit into 
the breasts of his troops ; who, emulating the noble ardour of their 
leader, demonstrated the wisdom of selecting experienced officers 
to command raw soldiers.* 

* The American war presents examples of first rate courage, occasionally 
exhibited by corps of militia, and often with the highest success. 

Here was a splendid instance of self-possession by a single regiment; out of 
two brigades. Dixon had commanded a continental regiment; and of course, 
to his example and knowledge, much is to be ascribed ; yet praise is neverthe- 
less due to the troops. While I record, with delight, facts which maintain our 
native and national courage, I feel a horror less demagogues, who flourish in a 
representative system of government, (the best, when virtue rules, the wit Qf 
man can devise) shall avail themselves of the occasional testimony, to prodocB 
a aeneral result. 

|3 



98 Memoirs of the War in the 

In the midst of this heart-rending defeat, general Gates received 
advice of the success of Sumter against the British convoy, borne 
consolation* was thus administered to his wounded spirit. 1 i»e 
corps under Sumter, kidded to those who had escaped this day ot 
destruction, would have formed a force which could preserve the 
appearance of resistance, and give time for the arrival of succour. 
Major M'Arthur, about the same time, communicated the occur- 
rence to lord CornwHllis ; who occupied his first moments after 
our defeat in despatching orders to lieutenant colonel Turnbull, 
then stationed on Little river with the New York volunteers, and 
major Ferguson's corps of loyalists, to intercept general Sumter 
and bring him to action. 

Major Davie's corps, part of thp force under Sumter, in his pre- 
ceding operations, had suffered severely on the 6th of August, in 
the unsuccessful attempt on the post of Hanging Rock ; and was 
subsequently engaged in escorting our wounded to Charlotte, where 
Davie had previously established a hospital. The moment this 
service was performed, major Davie hastened to the general ren- 
dezvous at Rudgley's mill. On the fifteenth, arriving after Gates 
had moved, he followed the army ; and marching all night, met the 
first part of our flying troops about four miles from the field of bat- 
tle. With an expectation of being useful in saving soldiers, bag- 
gage and stores, he continued to advance ; and meeting with briga- 
dier g<ineral Huger, of the South Carolina line, driving his tired 
horse before him, he learnt the probability of Sumter's ignorance 
of the defeat of our army, and of the consequent danger to which 
he would be exposed. Major Davie therefore instantly despatched 
captain Martin, attended by two dragoons, to inform Sumter of this 
afflicting event ; to urge him to take care of his corps by immedi- 
ate retreat, and to request him to repair to Charlotte, whither him- 
self meant to proceed, and assemble, as he returned, all the force 
which could be induced to take the field. On the night following, 
captain Martin reached Sumter, who immediately decamped with 

Convinced as I am, that a government is the murderer of its citizens, which 
sends them to the field uninformed and untaugiit, where they are to meet men 
of the same age and strength, mechanized by e(tucation and discipline for bat- 
tle, 1 cannot withhold my denunciation of its wickedness and folly ; much as I 
applaud, and must ever applaud, those instances, like the one before us, of armed 
citizens vying with our best soldiers in the first duty of man to his country. 

*This consolation was necessarily mingled with acute remorse. It must 
have reminded the general of the advantages once at his command, by pursuing 
the prudent system of striking his adversary m detail; and if victory with him 
was only pleasant by being immediate, it would bring to his recollection the 
propriety of having brought Sumter to him, instead of detaching Woolford 
from him. 

Lord Cornwallis, hearing from his commandant at Camden of the success of 
Sumter, in the midst of liis prosperity, turned his mind to tiie recovery of the 
loss he had sustained, — an example meriting imitation from all who may com- 
mand in war. Small as was the advantage gained, had it been enjoyed, great 
would have been the good derived in its consequences. The British general, 
foreseeing this, did not indulge even in the proud moments cf victory, but gave 
his mind and time to prepare Sumter's destruction. 



Southern Department of the United States. 99 

kis prisoners and booty. Turnbnil's attempt failed, from (he celeri- 
ty with which Sumter had moved. Apprehensive that Sumter 
might escape Turnbull, and anxious to break up (his corps, the 
British general was not satisfied with a single effort to destroy him ; 
and, on the same evening, directed lieutenant colonel Tarleton, 
with his legion and some light infantry, to proceed in the morning 
from the field of battle across the Wateree in pursuit of that enter- 
prising officer. 

Having avoided Turnbull, Sumter seems to have indulged a be- 
lief that he was safe ; and accordingly encamped on the night of 
the 17th at Rocky Mount, about thirty miles from Camden, and 
much nearer Cornwallis. To halt for the night within striking dis- 
tance of the British army was evidently improvident. After a few 
hours rest, he ought certainly to have renewed his march. At day 
light, he did, indeed, resume it; but, having passed Fishing creek, 
eight miles distant, he again halted. His troops occupied, in line 
of march, a ridge contiguous to the north side of the creek, at 
which place his rear guard was stationed ; and two videts were 
posted at a small distance in its front. Confiding in this hazardous 
situation, to these slender precautions, his arms were stacked, the 
men were permitted to indulge at pleasure ; some in strolling, some 
bathing, and others reposing. Our troops, no doubt, were f*- 
tremely wearied ; but bodily debility does not warrant inR/<^*^ntion 
in a commander : it should redouble his caution and e''-*'''^'on. If 
the halt at Fishing creek was unavoidable, the trocv^'' ^^'^^^ fatigued 
and best armed should have been selected an-^' posted for combat, 
while those most fatigued, snatched rest a«^ ^^°^.- . ^^^/^ ^^'^ ^'- 
ternate relief the retreat ought to har<J been continued ; and the 
corps would have been saved. 

Lieutenant colonel Tarleton mo^tid with h^- accustomed velocity ; 
and after a rapid march on the 17th, ap/'l-oached Sumter s hne of 
retreat. Finding many of /)is men -'d his horses too much ex- 
hausted to proceed witJi the requi-te despatch, he left behind more 
than half his force, and press^ forward with about one hundred 
and sixty. Passing the C-'»'ba at Rocky Mount ford, he got mto 
Sumter's rear, whose iv-<icautions for security were readily eluded. 
The enemy reachp"' h'™ unperceived, when consternation at the 
unlooked-for as"'"'^ became general. Partial resistance was at- 
tempted bu*^ ^oon terminated in universal flight. Sumter's force, 
with the -^^tachment under lieutenant colonel Woolford, was esti- 
mate*^ at eight hundred : some were killed, others wounded, and 
♦ hi rest dispersed. Sumter himself fortunately escaped, as did 
about three hundred and fifty of his men ; leaving two brass pieces 
of artillery, arms and baggage, in possession of the enemy, who 
recovered their wagons, stores and prisoners.* 

* The officer adventuring, as did general Sunnter, must never be satisfied 
with common precautions : they will not do. 

It is difficult to prescribe rules upon the subject; because every single case 
is to be regarded, and must suggest its own regulations to ameditating mind. 
One fixed prijiciple however we may venture to lay down : viz. that the cap- 



100 Memoirs of the War in the 

In this enterprise, although fortunate in its issue, lieutenant col- 
onel Tarleton evinced a temerity, which could not, if pursued, long 
escape exemplary chastisement. Had Sumter discovered his ap- 
proach, that day would at least have arrested his career, if it had 
not closed his existence. But unhappily for America, her soldiers 
were slaughtered, sometimes from the improvidence of their lead- 
ers, more often from their own fatal neglect of duty and disobedi- 
ence of orders. Vain is it to place guards around your camp, and 
vjdets in their front, if, unmindful of the respofisibility of their 
stations, they indulge in repose, or relinquish their posts. The 
severe consequences of such criminal neglect, we may suppose, 
would prevent the repetition of the evil ; but soldiers are not to 
be corrected by their own ot)flervations or deductions. Rewards 
and punishments must be ;idded ; and execution on the spot, of a 
faithless or negligent centinel, is humanity in the end. Militia will 
not endure this rigour, and are therefore improperly intrusted with 
the sword of the nation in war. The pursuance of that system 
must iveaken the best resources of the state, by throwing away 
the lives of its citizens ; and those rulers must provoke the ven- 
geance of Heaven, who invite such destruction, by adhering to this 
impotent policy. 

'^^e tragedy of the 16th, closing with the catastrophe of the 
18th, tii^army of the south became a second time nearly annihi- 
lated. Gen^Tj,! Gates halted at Charlotte, where some of his de- 
feated army ha^.^rri^ej. Soon after he retired to Salisbury, and 
afterwards to Hillsborough, one hundred and eighty miles from 
Camden ; where. he determined to collect his scattered forces, and 
to draw remfovcements, wif:. a resolution of again facing his suc- 
cessfu adversary.- Smailwo.d and Gist contmued at Salisbury, 
until all the dispersed eo„tinental. ^ere assembled. The mihtiaJf 
both states passed on to-.^rds thei. respective homes, selecting 
their own route, and obta,nii.£ .subsistence from the charity of the 
farmers on the road. "^ 

We shall here break the threat ^f our narrative, and go into 
those inquiries, which our mis ortunes j..^, it being the object 

of tnese Memoirs, by a faithful and plain l,,,id,tion of the occur- 
rences of our war, connecting events with theK^.^^es, to enlighten 
the iuture defenders and rulers of our country, i^j^g character of 
a military chief contributes not a httle to give cha^cter to his 

tured, with a portion of tlie victorious corps, ought to be immediately de . 
ed, with orders to move uight and day until out of reach; while th?c 
mander. «ith the least fatigued troops, should hold himself some hour<i in'thi 
rear sweeping with the best of his cavalry all the country between him and 
his enemy, thus procuring correct information, which will always secure a re- 
tiring corps. ■' ^ 

*Thisr.pidrfitreat of General Gates has been generally supposed to dimi. 
n.sh h.s reputat.ou Not .o, in truth. It does him honour ; as it evinced a 
mn.d capable, am.dst confusion and distress, of discerning the point most pro^ 
m,su.g to renew wuh expedition his strength : at the same time incapable of 



Southern Department of the United States. 101 

army ; provided the pressure of circomstances does not urge him 
to the field, before he has time and opportunity to know and be 
known. xMajor general Gates assumed the command under the 
happiest circumstances. He was hailed as the conqueror of Sara- 
toga ; and our gallant troops, anticipating the future from reflect- 
ing on the past, proudly presumed that his skill, directing their 
valour, would liberate the south, and diffuse over his evening, ao 
effulgence more brilliant than his meridian glory. 

Considering the condition of the respective armies, this fond ex- 
pectation wili not appear chimerical. But, unhappily for us, the 
inviting opportunity was neglected ; and general Gates, buoyed up 
by his campaign in the north, seems to have acted under a convic- 
tion that it was only necessary to meet the foe to conquer. What 
heavy misfortunes spring from our own fatuity ! The day after the 
Virginia militia* joined at Rudgely's mill, he rashly advanced to- 
wards the enemy ; and persevered in th^ same precipitancy, until 
stopped by his adversary, moving to strike him in his camp. Let 
us suppose that he had conducted his operations on different prin- 
ciples ; what would have been the probable result? Had he wise- 
ly taken with him the old regiment of dragoons under White and 
Washington, as those brave ofhcers in vain solicited ; instead of a 
dastardly flight, an example of heroism would have been exhibited. 
The enemy would have been driven in ; prisoners would have 
been mide by, but none from, us ; intelligence would have been- 
shut to the enemy, but open to ourselves ; and the dawn of day 
would have found our troops, emboldened by the example of the 
cavalry, panting for battle. He would, moreover, have been pro- 
vided with a body of hurse, more numerous and capable, than that 
of his enemy ; and would have carried his army, full of bodily 
strength and high in spirits, into the neighbourhood of his foe. By 
falling back from Lynch's creek, when lord Kawdon retired to Log- 
town, he would have placed himself in a friendly, strong and plen- 
tiful country ; where, out of striking distance, he might have era- 
ployed a week or ten days in training his militia, and infusing into 
them that self confidence which doubly arms the soldier in the day 
of battle. t While improving the condition of his army, he might, 
by despatching influential characters to the west of the Allegany, 
have brought dowi5 one or two thousand of those hardy warriors 
to Charlotte, to be used as an army of reserve, should events re- 
quire it. What was of the highest importance, he must, by this 

* "In justice to these troops it ought to be state'' that the heat was so op- 
pressive they could nut mr.rch in the day, and therefore they had for several 
nights made forced inarches to come up with us, which broi^e the spirits of the 
men." Note from colonel Howard. 

t Lord RawJon''s retrograde movement from Lynch's creek was certainly a. 
favourabld movement for general Gates' correction of his erroneous system, 
and might have enabled the general to work his own troops into the best spirits. 
Had he so done, and fallen back himself, holding hii main body safe, and sup- 
porting, by fit and occasional succour, Marion and Sumter in their sudden inroads 
into the enemy's territory, and upon his flanks, we must then have recovered 
South Carolina, with the exception of Charleston. 



102 Memoirs of the War in the 

delay, have ascertained with precision, the intention of the enemy 
in time to elude or resist it ; and would have drawn Cornwallis fur- 
ther from his point of safety : thus more and more exposing him 
to the harrassing attacks of Marion and Sumter on his flanks and in 
his rear. All these advantages were within the general's grasp. 
The partial, though sure, gan)e of destruction had commenced. 
Sumter had seized the stores and convoy from Ninety-six, with 
which he could have regained his asylum, had not general Gates's 
impatience to approach the enemy refused even one day's rest to 
the Virginia brigade. Tarleton could not have been spared from 
the main body in face of our army ; which, although inactive, would 
be in the fit attitude for striking whenever the opportune moment 
should arrive ; and consequently he would not have been detached 
in pursuit of Sumter, Obvious as was this mode of operation, 
general Gates, with the " veni, vidi, vici" of Caesar in his imagina- 
tion, rushed on to the fatal field, where he met correction, not 
more severe than merited. 

Hillsborough having been selected as headquarters, thither the 
fragments of our beaten army repaired ; so that the best affected, 
and most powerful district of North Carolina, situated between the 
Catawba and Yadkin rivers, became exposed to the depredations of 
the enemy. Brigadier Davidson and colonel Davie, now promoted 
by the governor, and appointed to the command of the cavalry of 
-the state, remained true to the obligations which honour and duty 
alike imposed. Encouraging all around them, they drew together 
their faithful comrades, and took measures for the collection of re- 
quisite supplies ; resolved to desist from resistance only with the 
loss of life. In this manly resolution they were cordially joined 
by brigadier Sumner. The two generals returned to assemble their 
militia ; while colonel Davie, with eighty dragoons and major David- 
son's two mounted companies of riflemen, establisbed himself in 
the Waxhaw settlement, about thirty-five miles from Charlotte. 
Here he continued actively employed in watching the movements 
of the enemy, and repressing their predatory excursions, which, 
in consequence of the devastation of the country between Camdea 
and the Waxhaws, were extended to the latter district. 

Lord Cornwallis, necessarily delayed from the want of stores 
which he expected from New York, devoted his leisure to the civil 
duties of his station. Persevering in the policy adopted by sir 
Henry Clinton, he enforced the penalty of this general's procla- 
mation with rigour. A commissioner was named to take possession 
of the estates of all who adhered to the enemies of the king, with 
directions fiist to support the wives and children of such offenders, 
and next to pay the residue of the proceeds of the estates to the 
paymaster general of the royal forces. 

Death was again denounced against all persons, who, having re- 
ceived protections, should be found in arras against the king's troops. 
Some of the militia, taken in the late defeat, being charged with 
that offence, were actually hung. This sanguinary conduct, in the 
amiable, humane Cornwallis, evinces the proneness of military men. 



Southern Department of the United States. 103 

however virtuous, to abuse power. The injustice of breaking a 
contract, and the criminality of sir Henry Clinton in that respect, 
have been already mentioned. Confiding in the plighted faith ot 
the British general, many of our countrymen had taken protections, 
which never would have been accepted, had it been understood 
they converted those who received them into liege subjects. When 
sir Henry Clinton deemed it eligible, by an arbitrary fiat to annul 
those protections, justice demanded that he should have left it op- 
tional with the holder to take the oath of allegiance, or abandon 
the state. A severe alternative, but justifiable in war. To break 
solemn compacts ; to transmute the party from the state in which 
he stood, to a mere dependence on human will, and to hang him 
for not conforming to that will, is crying injustice. Instead of de- 
manding reparation, and proclaiming the " lex talionis," we sub- 
mitted, with folded arms, to the criminal outrage. We must look 
back, with feelings of degradation, to this disgraceful period of our 
history. Although no advocate for the law of retaliation on slight 
occasions, it often happens, that the unjust can only be taught the 
value of justice by feeling the severity of retort ; and those in 
power should never hesitate to apply its rigour, when so impera- 
tively demanded. 

The severity of the British commander was not restricted to the 
deluded class, who had taken protections : it was extended to the 
most respectable characters of the state, who had been made pri- 
soners at the fall of Charleston. Letters were found from some of 
these gentlemen to their friends, killed or taken on the 16th, mak- 
ing communications, as was alleged, but never proved, incompati- 
ble with their paroles. The venerable Mr. Gadsden, lieutenant 
governor, with several other gentlemen, were fiist confined on 
board prison ships in Charleston harbour ; and afterwards sent to 
St. Augustine, in East Florida, where they were again admitted to 
very limited indulgences. 

We shall soon find how the injustice and severity now piactised, 
recoiled upon their authors. 



Ti 



CHAPTER XVni. 



HE British general, having received his supplies, moved from 
Camden on the 8th of September, to accomplish the great object, 
which he had with much regret deferred. The conquest of North 
Carolina, before congress could bring another army into the field, 
was deemed certain ; and would enable the victorious general to ap- 
proach Virginia, the devoted victim of the ensuing spring's opera- 
tions. During the winter he expected to restore the royal author- 
ity, to lay up magazines, to provide all the necessary horsas for the 
next campaign, and what was very desirable, to fill up his ranks 
vvith young Americans. Elated with these flattering expectations, 
Cornwallis took his route through those parts of the state, distin- 



104 Memoirs of the War in the 

guished for their firm adherence to their country. The main body 
moved first to the Waxhaws settlement, and next to Charlotte, witjb 
an intention to proceed to Salisbury. 

Corresponding with the main body on ifs left, lieutenant colonel 
Tarleton traversed the country, west of the Wateree, at the head 
of his legion nnd the light infantry. Still nearer to the frontiers, 
lieutenant colonel Ferguson marched with his corps of provincials. 
The route of the army lay intermediate to the two settlements of 
Cross creek and Tryon county ; with both of which, favouring his 
views, his lordship wished to open safe and direct intercourse. Lieu- 
tenant colonel Tarleton united vvith the main body, in its camp at 
the Waxhaws, where Cornwallis had halted. 

The approach of Cornwallis compelled colonel Davie to fall back 
upon Charlotte, and his abandoned position was romprebended in 
the British camp. Davie took post at Providence, on the Charlotte 
road, twenty-five miles from the Waxhaws. So exhausted was the 
country, that in this well improved settlement, the British general 
was straitened tor provisions, and obliged to send his light party in 
cverv direction ; for whose safety he entertained no apprehension, 
knowing the humble condition to which his successes had reduced 
us. Colonel Davie was not unapprised of his lordship's wants, and 
mode of suftplying them; and having ascertained that, while the 
main body of the enemy was encamped on the north of the Cataw- 
ba, some of the light troops and the loyalists occupied the southern 
banks of that river, some distance on the right of the British [)ost- 
tion, he determined to beat up their quarters in the night. With 
this view he decamped on the evening of the 20th of September ; 
and taking an extensive circuit, turned the left of Cornwallis, and 
gained, unperceived, the camp of the loyalists. They had changed 
their ground, falling nearer to the light troops, and now were sta- 
tioned at VVahab's plantation. Davie nevertheless persevered in his 
enterprise. Being among his friends, he was sure to receive accu- 
rate intelligence ; and he had vvith him the best guides, as many of 
his corps weie inhabitants of this very settlement ; and their pro- 
perty, wives and childeni were now in the possession of the enemy. 
He came in sight of VVahab's early the next morning, where he 
discovered a part of the loyalists and Biitish legion, mounted, and 
arrayed near the house, which, in this quarter, was in some de- 
gree concealed by a cornfield, cultivated quite to the yard. De- 
taching major Davidson through the cornfield with the greater part 
of the riflemen, with orders to seize the house, 'he himself gained 
the lane leading to it. The enemy were completely surprised ; 
and being keenly pushed, betook themselves to flight. Sixty killed 
and wounded were left on the ground ; and as little or no resistance 
was made, only one of Davie's corps was wounded. The colonel, 
having collected ninety-six horses with their equipments, and one 
hundred and twenty stand of arms, retired with expedition ; the 
British drums beating to aims in the contiguous quarters. Captain 
Wahab, the owner of the farm, spent the few minutes halt in deli- 
cious converse vvith his wife and children, who ran out as soon aa 



Southern Department of the United States, 105 

the fire ceased, (o embrace their long lost and beloved protector. 
Sweetly passed these moments ; but tiiey were succeeded by the 
most bitter. The British troops reaching (he house, the command- 
ing othcer, yielding to diabolical fury, ordered it to be burnt. A torch 
was instantly applied, and Wahab saw the only shelter of his help- 
less, unprotected family, wrapped in flames, without the power of 
affording any relief to his forlorn wife and children. " These were 
times which tried men's souls." Davie made good his retreat, and 
returned to his camp at Providence, having marched sixty miles 
in twenty four hours. On the evening nfhia return, generals Sum- 
ner and Davidson arrived with their militia, amounting to one thou- 
sand men, enlisted ibr a short period. This body, with the small 
corps under colonel Davie, not two hundred, constituted alt our 
force ojjposed to the advancing enemy. 

Four liays after the affair at Wahab's, the British general put his 
army in motion, taking the Steel creek road to Charlotte. This 
being announced to general Sumner by his light parties, he decamp- 
ed from Providence and retired on the nearest road to Salisbury ; 
leaving colonel Davie with his corps, strengthened by a few volun- 
teers under major Graham, to observe the movements of the enemj'. 
Hovering round the British army, colonel Davie took several pri- 
soners during the evening, and reached Charlotte about midnight. 
This village, standing on elevated ground, contained about twenty 
houses, built on two streets crossing each other at right angles. 
The court house, constructed of ston^e, stood at the intersection 
of the two streets. The common, on the right of the street lead- 
ing through the town, in the direction of the enemy's advance, 
was covered with a growth of underwood, and bounded by the gar- 
dens and other enclosures of the village : on the left was an open 
field. Colonel Davie, being informed of the approach of the ene- 
my, and relying on the firmness of his troops, determined to give 
them an earnest of the S{)irit of the country into which they had 
entered, Dismounting his cavalry, who, in addition to the sword 
and pistol, were armed with muskets, he posted them in front of 
the courthouse, under cover of a. strong stone wall, breast high. 
His infantry, also dismeunted, with Granam's volunteers, were ad- 
vanced eighty yards in front, on each side of the street, covered by 
the enclosures of the village. While this disposition was making, 
the legion of Tarleton, led by major Hanger, Tarleton being sick, 
appeared on the common, and formed in column, widened in front 
to correspond with the street, and tlanked by parties of light infan- 
try. The charge being sounded, the column of horse moved slow- 
ly, giving time for the lighc infantry to clear its flanks by dislodg- 
ing their advanced adversaries. The moment these parlies engag- 
ed, Hanger rushed along the street to the courthouse, where Da- 
vie poured in his fire, and compelled him to recede. The dra» 
goons fell back hastily, and were rallied on the common. Mean- 
while our infantry, on the right of the street, were driven in, al- 
though bravely resisting; upon which, colonel Davie recalled those 
9n our left, who still maintained their ground. The British light 
r-nfantry cojitinued to advance, and the action was vigorously reqew- 
14 



106 Memoirs of the War in the 

'6(1 on our fliinks. The centre reserved its tit e for the cavatry, \vho, 
now reiurnnigto Uie chnrge, met with a repetition of their first re- 
cciitioi), iinil retiretl in contusion to their former ground. The 
British infantry persevered ; and having gained Davie's right flank, 
he drew oft from the court-house, and arrayed his galhint band on 
\he eastern side of the town. Cornwalhs now came up to the le- 
gion cavalry, and upbraided them by contrasting their present con- 
duct with their past fanie. Advanring a third time, they pressed 
down the street, and ranged with (he light infantry, who were still 
urging forward on our flank ; when meeting with our brave corps, 
now mounted, they received as usual a well aimed tire, and were 
again repulsed. The flank companies of the seventy-first and thir- 
ty third regitnents advanced to support the light infantry ; and Da- 
vie receded from the unecjua! contest, for a long time well support- 
ed, and retreated on the great Salisbury road. An attempt was 
roade by the cavalry to disturb our retreat, which succeeded, so 
far as to drive in our rear guard ; but stopped the moment the sup- 
porting company opened its fire. Lieutenant Locke and five pri- 
vates were killed, and major Graham and twelve were wounded. 
The enemy lost twelve non commissioned otlicers and privates kil- 
led ; major Hanger, captains Campbell and M'Donald, and many pri- 
vate?, were wounded. 

Lord Cornwallis e^Lablished a post at Blair's mill, which he con- 
fided to major M'Artiiur, in order to preserve his communication 
with Camden, and advanced towards Salisbury. Thus the farther he 
advanced the more his field force was necessarily reduced. This 
inconvenience an invading army must feel, and a judicious opponent 
will turn it to his advantage. 

Lieutenant colonel Ferguson, still pursuing his cours'e, reached 
Gilbert tovvn ; and was there informed, by his friends, that a large; 
force of ^veste^n militia was in motion. The British general had se- 
lected this excellent officer to command the only detachment from 
bis army, which could be exposed to serious resistance. The prin- 
cipal object of the expedition was to excite the loyalists, in that 
quarter, to rebel openly, and unite with the British army. While 
Ferguson was endeavouring to etTect this purpose, he was advised by 
lord Cornwallis of an assault on Augusta, with directions to intercept 
if practicable, the assailants on tiieir return. Augusta was command- 
ed by lieutenant colonel Thomas Brovvi;e ; who had been in the 
British service, previous to the war, and resided in Georgia. Pleas- 
ing and sensible, he was popular ; and possessing influence with 
the Indian tribes, bordering on (hat state, from official connexion, 
he was dangerous. With a view to [)reserve control over the af- 
fections and conduct of the Indians, the British government not only 
continued the established custom of bestowing annual presents in 
arms, ammunition, blankets, salt, liquor, and other like articles 
precious (o the forester, but in conseqiience of the war had much 
increased the annual gift.* 

* I never coulrl see the justice of denominating our Indian boiclerers savage. 
They appear to me to merit a very different appellation, as we well know they 
^re not beliind their civilized neighbours in the practice of xany of the virtues 
most dear to human nature. 



Southern Department of the United States. 107 

When Georgia fell, en my of the most virtuotis and distinsjuished 
citizens of thai state, (;ts did afterwards those of South Carolina) 
fled to their brethren in the West. Tlie most prominent among 
these voluntary exiles, was colonel Clarke, who emj)!oyed his 
time and mind in preparin-; asnthcient farce to ennble him, on the 
lirst opportimity, to return and renew the contest. Vigilantly 
watching every occurrence, he was soon informed of the arrival at 
Augusta of the annual Indian presents. Thedesire to recover Au- 
gusta, always ascendant in Clarke's breast, now became irresisti- 
ble. He called forth his comrades, and expatiated on the rich har- 
vest of reward and glory within their reach, and the facility of ob- 
taining it at that momont. His arguments were successful ; and the 
warriors of the hills shouted for battle. No time w;i8 lost by their 
active leader in preparing for the cnteri>rise. The wallets were fill- 
ed with provisions, the guns cleaned, bullets moulded, and a scan- 
ty supply of powder was distributed out of tlieir scanty magazine. 

These were the simple preparations of our hardy mountaineers 
for battle. A lesson, pregnant with instruction, to all military com- 
manders. The nearer an army can be brought to this unencum- 
bered and alert condition, the more is its effective capacity increas- 
ed, tlie better are <ha public resources husbanded, and the quick- 
er will the wn; be terminated. Two hours only were occupied in 
getting ready to move, which followed as soon as the horses could 
be brought from pasture and accoutred. The grass of nature gave 
subsistence to the horse, while the soldier feasted on the homely 
contents of his wallet, made and tilled by his wife or mother. 

Marcliing through friendly settlements, intelligence was gained, 
guides were procured, and accessions of strength acquired. Hav- 
ing reached the confines of the enemy, the leader halted, made 
his last arrangements, and issued his final orders. Then, with the 
velocity of an eagle, he pounced on his prey ; but missing it re- 
curred to the slow and systematic operations which require patient 
vigilance and prevent h izard. The watchful Browne, informed of* 
the gathering storm, wastiot surprised by its approach. Augusta 
being untenable with his weak force, he retired towards Garden 
Hill with his garrison of one hundred and fifty men, a i'evj Indians, 
and two small bras? pieces. In front of the hitter [sosition, he was 
vigorously attacked by Clarke, at the head of seven hundred men"; 
but, under cover of his artillery, he at lengtb dislodged his enemy, 
and forced his way to the hill at the point of^ the bayonet So soon 
as he had gained the hill, colonel Browne began to fortify himself in 
the best possible manner : bein^; determined to hold out to the last 
njoment, in order to give time to colonel Cruger, who commanded 
at Ninety six, and was informed of Browne's situation and views, to 
relieve him. Among other expedients to form suitable defences, 
colonel Browne ()ul m requisition all the bales of cloth, osn vburgs, 
blankets. Sec. found in the store at Garden Hill, and converted them, 
with the assistance of rails and pailing, into a breastwork, proof 
against musketry. Clark, nevertheless, persevered in his attempt 
to bring the enemy to submission ; which he would haye certainl^^ 



108 Memoirs of the War in the 

accomplished, by availing himself of the two pieces of artillery, 
gained in the first conflict, had not the ammunition belonging to 
them been nejuly exhausted. Deprived of this aid, he resorted 
to other expedients ; and at length succeeded in depriving the gar- 
rison of water. But, unhickily, his adversary wns no less fertile 
in mental resource thmi intrepid in battle. '1 o remedy this menac- 
ing evil, colonel Browne ordered all the earthen vessels in the store 
to be taken, in which the urine was preserved ; and when cold, it 
was served out with much economy to the troops, himself taking 
the first draught. Disregarding the torture of a wound in his leg, 
which had become much swoln from exertion, he continued booted 
at the head of his small gallant band, directing his defence, and an- 
imating his troops by his presence and exa iiple. Thus Browne 
courageously supported himself until the fourth day, when colonel 
Cruger appeared on the oj)posite banks. Colonel Clarke immedi- 
ately withdrew, leaving his artillery behind, and disappointed by 
the invincible prowess of his enemy of a reward which, with less 
perseverance and gallantry, he might justly have expected to obtain. 
Ferguson no sooner received the order of Cornwallis to attack 
the assailants of Augusta on their return, than he drew nearer to 
the mountain, prepared to fall upon Clarke as soon as he reached 
his vicinity. While waiting to execute this object, he heard that a 
new enemy was approaching him ; for the very purpose of pro- 
ceeding on the same enterprise, in which Clarke had just been 
foiled. A numerous assemblage of rifle militia had been drawn to- 
gether from Kentucky, the western country of Virginia, and North 
Carolina ; and were in motion under colonels Campbell, Cleveland, 
Williams, Sevier, and Shelby, towards Augusta ; wh^n hearing of 
Clarke's repulse and Fergu-on's expedition, they relinquished their 
enterprise on Browne, and turned against Ferguson. Reaching Gil- 
bert town, from which place Ferguson had lately retired, they 
selected one thousand five hundred of their warriors, who fol- 
lowed the British partizan, bent upon his destruction. Ferguson 
apprised of their pursuit, took post on the summit of King's moun- 
tain ; a position, thickly set with trees, and more assailable by the 
rifle, than defensible with the bayonet. Here he was overtaken 
by our mountaineers, who quickly dismounted, and arrayed them- 
selves for battle. Our hnwe countrymen were formed into three 
divisions, under their respective leaders, and coolly ascended the 
mountain in different directions. Colonel Cleveland first reached 
the enemy, and opened a destructive fire from behind the trees. 
Ferguson resorted to the bayonet : Cleveland necessarily gave way. 
At that instant, from another quarter, colonel Shelby poured in his 
fire ; alike sheltered and alike effectual. • Upon him Ferguson fu- 
riously turned, and advanced with the bayonet ; gaining the only, 
though immaterial, advantage in his power, of forcing Shelby to 
recede. This was scarcely effected, before colonel Campbell had 
gained the summit of the mountain ; when he too commenced a 
deadly fire. The British bayonet was again apjdied ; and produced 
its former effect. All the divisions now returned in co-operation, 



Southern Department of the United States. 10*9 

and resistance became temerity. Nevertheless, Ferguson, confiding 
in the bayonet, sustained the attack with undismayed gallantry. 
The battle rasped for fifty minutes, when the British commander 
received a ball, and fell dead. Deprived of their leader, the fire 
of iht; enemy slackened, and the second in command wisely beat a 
parley, which was followed by his surrender. Three hundred 
were killed and wounded ; one hundred regulars and seven hundred 
loyalists were taken, with one thousand five hundred stand of arms: 
lieutenant colonel Ferguson being provided with supernumerary 
muskets, to arm such of the inhabitants as might repair to the roy^ 
standard. Our loss was Iriffling m numbers ; but among the killed 
was colonel VVilliams of South Carolina, who had joined those gal- 
lant patriots, with his adherents, from the district of Ninety-six, 
and was among the most active and resolute of this daring assem- 
blage. 

Although Clarke failed in the reduction of Augusta, his attempt 
led to the destruction of Ferguson ; and with it, to the present re- 
lief of North Carolina. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

T T HEN prepared to advance to Salisbury, the British general 
received the utiwelfome news of the battle of King's Mountain. 
Disappointed in hi* expectation of important benefit from the exer- 
tions of colonel Ft-rgiison among the loyalists of Tryon county; 
deprived of that oihcer and his corps, which conjftituted more thaa 
a fourth of the army ; lord Cornwallis abandoned his project of ad- 
vancinc;, and began a retreat to Camden. The security of South 
Carolina, then threatened by the sudden incursions of the moun- 
tain warriors, and endangered by the activity of Sumler, Marion 
and Pickens ; and the necessity of procuring additional force be- 
fore his preconcerted conquest could be pursued, required his 
lord-jhip's return. On the 14th of October, the British army com- 
menced its retreat from a country, which it had entered a lew 
weeks before, with a confident expectation of reannexing it to the 
British empire. 

As soon as sir Henry Clinton was informed of the defeat of Gates 
and dispersion of the force under Sumter, in order to promote the 
operations of his general in the South, he detached three thousand 
men from New York to Virginia under the orders of major general 
Leslie. About the time Cornwallis retired from Charlotte, Leslie, 
arrived in the Chesapeake, and commenced his operations on the 
south side of James river, making Portsmouth his principal posi. 
tion. The annihilation of Ferguson's force, having changed lord 
Cornwallis's plan, Leslie's continuance in Virginia became unne- 
cessary ; and he was directed by his lordship to embark without 
delay, and proceed to Charleston. 



no Memoirs of the War in the 

The preparations for resisting this officer were hardly begun, 
when the commonwealth was relieved from an invasroti which it had 
deemed fixed ; in as much as no doubt could exist, that Leslie was 
intended to co-operate with Lord Coniwallis, who, after the reduc- 
tion of North Cfirolina, would advance upon Virijinia. Soon after 
his lordship left Charlotte, the rainy season set in, which rendered 
his march very inconvenient and harassing. The ground being sa- 
turated with incessant rain, the troops were espo'^ed to its chill ex- 
halations, and became sickly. The general himself was seized with 
a bilious fever, and was so uiuch indisposed as to resign the army to 
the direction of lord liawdon. 

This young nobleman had difficulties to encounter, in addition to 
Ihose springing tVutn the humidity of the air and ground. The 
swell of v.ater courses presented new obstacles, not only to his 
progress, but to the procurement of forage and provisions for daily 
subsistence ; which were before very difficult to obtain. The 
royal militia became now peculiarly useful. Enured to the cli- 
mate, they escai)ed the prevailing sickness ; and being mounted, 
ivere employed unceasingly in hunting, collecting, and driving cattle 
from the woods to the army.-^ This meagre supply was the only 
meat procurable ; and young corn, gathered from the held, and 
boiled, or grated into meal, was the substitute for bread. t The 
British troops com[)lained grievously of their sufferings on this 
inarch ; which, in comparison with those endured by our army, 
were nothing. They were comfortably supplied with clothes, shoes 
and blankets ; and a short interruption of regular meals, althougli 
not agreeable, was certainly not oppressive. Had they been lu 

*I n reviewing t!<ie military correspofiHfince and statenjents of our war, the 
activity and uscAilncss of the Americans who j.oiiietl the British, forces 
itseJf upon our aliention. Not more than one tenth of our population is 
rated as attached to Gre;it Britain in the late contest, of which not more than 
a hundredth is supposed to have taken an active part with tiie enemy. Yet 
great and effective were tlie services derived from them ; not only in the field, 
wliere tlicy fuught with ackiiowleflged valour, but in procuring intelligence, and 
providing piovision. Mr. Stediiian, a Britibii officer, and in the commissariat 
under lord Cornwallis, tells us, lliat the army would fi'..-, e l)een often destitute 
of provisions, but for tiie capacity and activity of the inhabitants who repaired 
to the royal standard. In our war no liberal mind will deny, that every man 
had a right to take his side, as it grevi' out of a domestic difterence; whereas, 
in a foreign war every citizen is bound to support his country. While, there- 
fore, we lament the opposition of tliis part of uur fellow citizens, we cannot 
condemn them for taking tlie part believed by them to be right. 

It IS to be hoppd, that !-hou!d we be brought (which in the course of things too 
often occurs) to make the last appeal again, that we shall be exempted from the 
ills which inevitably follow the want of unatdmity. That government best de- 
serves applause, which is administered with a view to preserve union at home 
as its first object; it being the cheapest and surest defence against injustice 
from abroad. 

t During this retreat the British rasped the young corn into a coarse meal, 
which was considered a better mode of preparing the corr than roasting or 
parching, common with us. Biscuit made of flour, from which oidy the bran 
has been taken, is the best and cheapest for winter quarters, when the soldier 
may conveniently bake his bread. 



Southern Department of the United States. Ill 

fcigs, without shoes, with one blanket only for three men, and pur- 
sued by a superi' r foe ; patience and alacrity under the hardships 
of retreat would have entitled them to the praise which was lavish- 
ed on their loyalty and fortitude. 

After a fatiguing inarch of two week>;, through deep wet roadSj 
and lull water courses, all of which were necessarily forded, the 
enemy reached the country lying between Camden and Ninetj'six, 
on the 29th of October. To support these two stations, and to 
shield the intermediate s{)ace from American incursions, Cornwal- 
lis establirihed himself at Wintishorouj^h, a position very convenient 
for the purposes contemplated. Here he desired to repose until 
the junction of the detachment fiom Virginia, under Leslie, should 
enable him to resume his operations in North Carolina. But Ma- 
rion and Sumter, continuing unchanged amid the despondency which 
the disa'^ters of August had produced, boldly pushed their disturb* 
ing inroads into the enemy's territory. With a force fluctuating 
from fifty to two hundred and fifty men, Marion held himself in his 
recesses on the Pedee and Black rivers ; whence he darted upon 
the enemy whenever an opportunity presented itself He not only 
kept in check all the small parties of the enemy, whom the want of 
forage and provisions, or the desire of plunder, occasion lly urged 
into the region east and south if Camden ; but he often passed the 
Santee, interrupting the communication with Charleston, and some- 
tifhes alarming the small posts in its vicinity. To such a height had 
his interru[)(ion reached, that Cornwallis turned his attention to the 
subject. Lieutenant colonel Tarletoo was despatched with his 
legion and the light infantry, with orders to find out Marion's haunts, 
and to destroy him. Having passed the Santee, and approached tbfi 
Black river, this offiicer exerted himself to bring Marion to action ; 
but the American partizan, having ascertained the very superior 
force of his adversary, eluded all the attempts made to entrap him. 
At length Tarleton contrived, by his manoeuvres, to circulate aa 
opinion that, by detachments from his corps, he had very much re- 
duced its force. This rumour, as was intended, soon reached ftla- 
rion ; who was always willing to seize every opportunity of striking 
at his antagonist. Presuming that Tarletrn was reduced to an equal- 
ity with himself, he cheerfully relinquished his asylum, wishing to 
give battle to his adversary. His caution and vigilance were not 
intermitted ; and discovering that he w as proceeding upon erroneous 
intelligence, he skilfully withdrew to his unassailable position, leav- 
ing Tarleton to deplore the inefficacy of his wiles and toils. 

While Marion engaged the attention of Cornwallis, whose cavalry 
and artillery were drawn to-the east of the Santee, Sumter hovered 
on the west of that river, searcliing for some vuln(;rarde point to 
assail. This officer, equally enterprising « id indefatigable >vith his 
compeer, had the mountaiuous country of 't.i Carolin;'S lu .intvv up- 
on for assistance. He had, therefore, the advaniage of Mai ion in 
numbers ; sometimes commanding live l.iiidred, and at other*' eight 
hundred men. When lord Cornwallis became acquainted with _ue 
approach of Sumter, major Wemyss was detached in pursuit of him^ 



112 Memoirs of the War in the 

with the sixty-third regiment, and the remains, about forty in nnm- 
ber, of the legion cavalry. The American general having display- 
ed, on past occasions, a character of more boldness than vigilance, 
the British officer was inspired with a hope of surprising him ; and 
directed his march, with great secrecy, to Bro'cfd river, where Sum- 
ter was encamped. The celerity with which Wemyss advanced, 
brought him, sooner than he intended, to the vicinity of his enemy ; 
and, apprehending that Sumter might be apprised, before morning, 
of his proximity, he determined on a nocturnal attack. His corps 
was immediately formed for baUle,and advanced on Sumter's camp. 
Anxious to observe the condition of his foe, noajor Wemyss placed 
himself with the van officer, who soon fell on our piquet, and threw 
them back on the main body, after a feeble resistance. Only five 
muskets were discharged ; and, happily for us, two balls pierced 
the major, and disabled him from further exertion. The command 
devolved upon a subaltern, who, although unacquainted with the 
ground, and uninformed as to the plan, determined to press the at- 
tack. He found Sumter prepared to receive him ; and very soon 
the contest terminated in the repulse of the British, who retired, 
leaving their commandant and twenty men on the ground.* 

The American officer, satisfied with his success, did not pursue 
it ; but crossed (he Broad river, for the purpose of proceeding to 
the chief object of his expedition. He had concerted with col- 
onels Clarke and Banner, who commanded bands of mountaineers, 
measures for surprising Ninety-six. To cover that enterprise, 
he menaced Camden ; intending, by a forced march, to join Clarke 
and Banner on the west sidA of the Broad river. On the day fol- 
lowing a junction was effected ; and Sumter, at the head of the 
combined forces, proceeded to the execution ofhis design. These 
occurrences excited in lord Cornwallis apprehensions for the 
safety of Ninety six. Orders were instantly despatched, recalling 
Tarleton from his expedition against Marion, and directing him to 
proceed without delay asiainst Sumter. The sixty third regiment, 
which had not yet returned from its unsuccessful enterprise, was 
ordered to join Tarleton as he advance<l. As soon as that officer 
received the order of Cornwallis, he left his position in the vicinity 
of Black river, and hastened towards Ninety six. Accustomed to 
quick movements, hi arrived in the neighbourhood of Sumter be- 
fore the latter had even heard of his advance. Pushing up the En- 
noree river, Tarleton hoped to place himself in his enemy's rear; 
but, very luckily, a deserter from the British infantry had apprised 
the American general ofhis adversary's movement. Sumter imme- 
diately drew oft' and passed the Ennoree, where the British van 

* Major Wemj'ss was very remiss in not liaving opened his plan and views to 
liis second in command; for it often liappens liiat the first is stopped from ser- 
vice during tlie action. Wliat iniglit iiave been the issue of this enterprise had 
the British major properly informed his next in command of his plan, resources 
and expectations, cannot be determined ; but no doubt can exist that the effect 
of the assailing troops must have been diminished considerably by this culpable 
omission in t?ie commandant. 



Southern Department of the United States. 113 

overtook a part of our near guard, and handled it roughly. Sumter 
coiitmiied to retreat, having tlie Tyger, one of the most rapid and 
obstructive rivers of that country, in his (Vont. Tarieton, foresee- 
ing that, shoiild his udversar\ pas-: the T\ger, there would be little 
profjpect of bringing liirn to action, redoubled bis exertions to over- 
take hiui. Well knowing the character of his foe, he had preserved 
his force in a compact order; but his apprehension that Sun)ter 
might escape, his ardour in pursuit, and desire to continue tlie suc- 
cess with which his zeal had been generally crowned, impelled him 
to devia e fro n that prudent course. In the evening of the 20tli of 
Novell bar, at the head of his cavalry, aboui one hundred and seventy 
in numbiM', anii eighty niounted infantry, ot the sixty third regiment, 
he di'shi^d forward to bring Sumter to battle, before the latter had 
passed the Tyger ; and soon came in sij;ht of his enemy, who had 
selected a strong position on Blackstock hill, on the eastern banks 
of the river. Here prudence would iiave dictated to colonel Xar- 
leton a pause. The residue of the sixty third regiment, the legion 
and light infanliy, were following with all possible despatch ; and in 
one hour n)ight have joined him There was no possibility of his 
enemy's escape without battle ; and the co-operation ef liis infantry 
was indispensable to secure vi tory. But delay did not comport 
with the ardent zeal, or the experience of Tarieton ; and he boldly 
advanced to the assault. " That part of the hill," says M'Kenzie, 
in his Strictures on the Campaigns of Tarieton, "to which -the 
attack was directed, was nearly perpendicular, with a small rivulet, 
brush wood, and a rail fence in front. The rear of the Americans, 
and part of their right flank, was secured by the river Tyger ; and 
their left was covered by a large log barn, into which a considerable 
division of their force had been thrown, and from which, as the 
apertures between the logs served them for loop holes, they tired 
with security. British valour was conspicuous in this action ; but no 
valour could surmount the obstacles that here stood in its way. Of 
the sixty-third regiment, the commanding officer, two others, and 
one third of the privates, fell.* Lieutenant colonel Tarieton, ob- 
serving their situation, charged with his cavalry ; but, unable to 
dislodge the enemy, either from the log barn on his right, or the 
heigliton his left, he was obliged to fall back. Lieutenant Skinner, 
with a presence of mind useful on such emergencies, covered the 
retreat of the sixty third ; and in this manner did the whole party 
continue to retire, till they formed a junction with their infantry, 
who were advancing to su[)port them, leaving Sumter in quiet pos- 
session of the field. This officer occupied the ground for several 
hours ; but having received a severe v\ ound, and knowing that the 

* Major Money, lieutenant Gibson, lieutenant Cope : the infantry amount- 
ed only to eighty. What presum[)tion ! to expect to dislodge an officer acicnovv- 
ledged to be the most brave, posted on ground chosen by himself, at the head 
of five ir six hundred troops, whose valour had been often before tested, with 
one hundred and sixty, mostly dragoons. The British cavalry could not act 
with effect from the nature of the ground, as was evinced by the nugatory at- 
tempt made by lieutenant colonel Tarieton at tlieir head. 
15 



114 Memoirs of the War in the 

British wouM be reinfiorced before the next morning, lie thought it 
hazardous to vvait. He accordingly retired, and taking his woumled 
men along with him, crossed tlie rapiil river Tyger. The wounded 
of the British detachment were left to the mercy of their enemy ; 
aiul it is doing but bate justice to general Sumter to declare that the 
strictest humiuiity took jdace upon the present occasion : they were 
supplied with every comfort in his power." This faithful and plain 
relation was made from the representations of officers in the action. 
Lieutenant colonel Tarleton, however, viewed his own conduct in 
tiie most favourable light ; and not only considered the assault war- 
rantablti, but oven claimed the victory. If the principle, on which 
his pretention is founded, be correct, nothing short of exterminating 
success can give title to victory. What more could the assailed 
party have done than to light, to retain his ground, bury the dead, 
and take care of the enemy's wounded ? Of his own wounded,, 
general Sumter had but tour to take care of, and of his own deadx 
but three to bury. But he did not wait until colonel Tarleton might 
return with a superior force ; and as Tarleton did return and occu- 
py the field of battle on the day following, therefore Tarleton was 
the victor. Such logic does not merit refutation. But, however 
interested mililiiry disputants may contest the point, impartiai pos- 
terity will concur in the conclusion of common sense, that Sumter 
gained a decisive victory. A giievous wound suspended his per- 
sonal exertions, and probably prevented him from improving his 
fuccess. Afler perl'orcning the funeral rites of the dead, and placing 
the wounded of the enemy in the most comfortable condition in his 
power, he continued his retreat. His faithful associates, agreeably 
to usage, sej>arated as soon as they reached their point of safety. 

Sumter's wound, unfortunately for his country, long detained Jiim 
from the tield ; but useful consequences continued to result from 
the deep impression of his example, Irom the spirit he had infused, 
and the es})eri«;nce gained under his guidance. Pickens, Harden, 
Clarke, and others, persevered in their arduous exertions. Fre- 
qu»^.ntly interrupting the communication between the difl'erent posts 
of the enemy, they obliged the British general to strengthen his sla- 
tions, spread throughout the country, and thereby weaken bis ope- 
rative force. 

Tarleton was no sooner recalled from the east of the Santee, than 
Marion emerged from his concealed retreat, traversed the country 
from Georgetown to Camden, and endangered the communication 
between them. Frequently crossing the Santee, he interrupted the 
intercourse between Charleston and Camden ; to secure which, an 
intermediate post had been established at Motte's hill, on the south 
«ide of the Congaree. 

Thus, in this gloomy period, was resistance in the South continu- 
ed ; as embarrassing to the enemy, as exhilarating to the scattered 
refugees from South Carolina and Georgia. It produced, too, iu 
congres-s and the nation, a solacing conviction, that the spirit of the 
people was unsubdued ; and promised, if seconded with vigour, and 
directed with wisdom, to restore the two lost states to the Union. 



^Souiheni Department of tim United Stjates. 1 15 



CHAPTER XX. 

VyORNWALLIS still helil his position at Winnsborough, waiting 
for tlie expectetl reinforcement under Leslie, and devoting his at- 
tention to the repres-iion ot" the daring enterprises, devised and 
executed by Mnrion, Sumter, and their g;illnnt associates. 

In the meanwliile Gales nas labouring with unceasing zeal and 
diligence to prepare a force, capable of meeting his succer»sftil ad- 
versaiy. Having collected (he shattered remains of his army at 
Hillsborough, in pursuance of a regulation established by the com- 
mander in chief, the broken lines of Maryland and Delaware were 
compressed into one regiment, and placed under colonel Williams, 
of Maryland. The officers of cavalry had not been very successful 
in their efforts ; for, but four complete troops could be formed from 
the relics of Bland's, Moylan's, and Baylor's regiments, when unit- 
ed with the new recruits. These were embodied, and placed under 
the command of lieutenant colonel Washington, of Virginia.* The 
supernumerary oflicers of Maryland and Delatvare, and of the caval- 
rj', were desjyatched to their respective states, for the purpose of 
recruiting. Brigadier Gist, who had so nobly seconded de Kalb on 
the fatal 16th of August, was charged with the direction of this ser- 
vice ; there beins: no command for him with the army, in conse- 
quence of its reduced stale. General Smallwood was retained as 
second to Gates. Morgan, the distinguished leader of the rifle 
corps, was promoted to the rank of brigadier by brevet, and repair- 
«d to the southern army. About the same time, the recruits of the 
Virginia line reached Hillsborough ; and the remaining companies 
of Harrison's artillery also joined our army. 

The union of these several corps gave to general Gates about one 
thousand four hundred continentals. The deliverance of North 
Carolina from the late invasion, by the fortunate victory of King's 
Mountain, atlorded time for the government of the stale to under- 
-stand its real condition, and to prepare for the impending danger. 
A division of its militia had been called into the field under the 
command of the generals Sumner and Davidson, to which was united 
a volunteer corps under colonel Davie. 

While Gates remained at Hillsborough, Sumner had taken post, 
with the militia, in the countiy washed by the Yadkin, the main 
branch of the Pedee. Smallwood was desp;itched to take charge of 
the troops in that quarter, while general Gates moved, with the 
continentals, to Charlotte. As soon as the hea<!quarters of the 
American army were transferred to this place, Smallwood was ad- 
vanced from the Yadkin to the Catawba ; having brigadier Morgan, 
at the bead of a corps of light troops, in his front. 

*LicutPnant colonel Washington found among his difticulties that of acquir- 
ing propRr swords not the least consiHerable ; and hearinfr that the arsenal of 
iiis native state in Richmond abounded with dragoon swords, he despatched ar. 
officer to governor Jefiersor., stating his wants, and soliciting telieft 



116 Memoirs of the War in the 

The Pedee flows ne;ir the northern boiindary of South Carolina ; 
the Savannah is its limit on the southwest; and the Santee, whose 
main brancli is the Catawl)a, is the intenrnniiale of the three large 
rivers of that state. Just below IVIotte's, where the British had 
erected a small fortification, the Santee is formed b}' the confluence 
of the Waieree and the Congaree. The former of these rivers, 
desci^riding from the north, runs through the hilly country, where 
it is called Catawba ; and, pa;-?ing Camden, rolls on to its junction 
with the Consjaree. The Congaree, after the union of its head 
branches, the Broad River and the Saluda, takes a southern direc- 
tion 

The po-ition now taken by Gates, and the arrangement o( his 
force, pies.-nted a strong contrast to his former conduct ; and afford- 
ed a consoling picsumpiion, that he had discovered his past error, 
and had profited by the correction of adver.-ity.* Neither congress 
nor the nation were reconciled, however, to the severe blow, wliich 
our arm^' had sustained under his guidance. The annihil tion, in a 
few hours, of an army, from which much had been exjiected, was a 
.sufficient cause of investigation and inquietude: and when that mis- 
fortune, in the exh uisted and worried condition of the peojde, was 
followed by a necessity ot replacing the lost force, or of suhmiiLing 
to the suljjugation of an important |K)rtion of tlie Union, the most 
awful and afliicting sensation> were unavoidably excited. Con^^ress 
en:eitained, it:deed, a high respect for the unfortunate general, and 
a grateful reccdlection of his past services ; but that homage, how- 
ever merited, could not, and ought not, to suppress those inquiries, 
which nlways folloH miscarriage or misfortune, where the sovereign 
power is careful of tlie public good. It was, moreover, necessji'ry 
to check the conqueror ; and two lost states were to be recovered. 
To effect such important ot)jects, a general, obscured by adversity, 
was, though of respectable talents, inadequate ; it required the fire 
of superior genius, aided by an untarnished repuiation, to reanimate 
despondency, restore confidence, and turn the current of adversity. 
Such reflections daily gained strength ; and congress, at length, 
resolved, that a court of inquiry should exiimine into the conduct of 
major general Gates, commanding in the southern depHrtment. and 
tb< t the commander in chief should, in the interim, appoint a suc- 
cessor. 1 his unpleasant resolution was immediately transmitted 
togeneiai Gates at Chriilotte ; and he prepared to obey the sum- 
mons of the com t, as soon as his successor should arrive and assume 
the duties of command. In the meanwhile, he continued, with 
unreiiutling exertion, his preparations for resisting tlie enemy, by 
endeavouring to discover their force and plans, by collecting maga- 
zines of j)rovision, and .-timuiating the govfinmenls of North Caro- 
li'na and Virginia to a timely contribution of their aids. Happy, if 

* When general Gates was about to set out from Viroinia for tlie South, lits 
oM acquciintatico and fellow soldier, general tJhailes Lee, waited on him to 
tHke IfHve ; ami pn^ssiiig him by ihe hand, bade him to boar ui mind, ihat the 
faurels of the North iiuist not be exchanged for the w illow of the South, 



Southern Department of the United States. 117. 

his efforts «hould smooih (he way for a more prosperous couirC to 
hiJ^ successor, he acted, throughout this disagreeable period, with 
inteliisience, assiduity and zeal. 

Washington did not long deliberate on the appointment which he 
was directed to riiake. M^ijor general Greene* had served under 
him from the commenceuieiit of the war, and from that period had 
enjoyed his unvarying confidence and e-teem. In a time of extreme 
derangement and ditliculty, he had been called to the station of 

* Headquarters, Passaic Falls, October 22d, 1730. 
Dear Sir, 

In consetiuetice of a resolve of Congress, (lirccting an inquiry into the con- 
duct of major general Gates, and authoiizing me to appoint some other officer 
in his place during this inquiry, I have made choice ol mnjor general Cireene, 
who will, I I'xpect, have the honour of piesenting you with this letter. 

I shall, without scruple, introiluce this gentleman to you as a man of ahili- 
ties, braveiy and coolness. He has a comprehensive kuowleilge of our Hflnirs, 
and is a man of fortitude and resources. I ii:ive nut the smallest doubt, there- 
fore, (if his employing all the means which may be put into his hands to the 
best advantage, nor ot his assisting in pointing out the most likely ones to an- 
swer the purposes of his command. With this charactei I take the liberty of 
lecommenrling him to your civilities and suppoft ; for I have '.o doubt, from 
the embarrassed situation of southern affairs, of his standing much in need of 
the latter, I'rom every gentleman of influence in the assemblies of those states. 
As g;eneral Greene can give you the most jierfect information in detail ol our 
present distresses, and future prospects, I shall content myself with the aggre- 
gate account of ihem : and, with respect to the first, they are so gre.tand 
complicated, thai it is scarcely within the powers of description to give an 
adequate idea of them. With regard to the second, unless there is a inateriEil 
change both in our civil and military policy, it will be in vain to contend much 
longer. 

We are without money, and have been so for a long time : without provi- 
sion and forage, except what is taken. by impress : without clothing, and shortly 
shall be (in a manner) without men. In a word, we have lived upon expedi- 
ents till we can live no longer; and it may truly be said, that the history of 
this war is a history of false hopes and temporary devices instead of system,— 
and economy, which results from it. 

if we mean to continue our struggles (and it is to be hoped we shall not re- 
linquish our claims) we must do it upon an entire new plan. We must have 
a permanent force; not a force that is constantly fluctuating, and sliding from 
under us, as a pedestal of ice would leave a statue in a summer's day ; in- 
volving lis in expense that baffles all calculation, an expense which no funds 
are equal to. We must at the same time contrive ways and rneaiis to aid our 
taxes by loans, and put our finances upon a more certain and stable footing 
than they are at present. Our civil government must likewise undergo a reform; 
ample powers must be lodged in Congress as the head of the Fedeial Union, ad- 
equate to all the purposes of wnr. Unless these things are done, our efforts 
will be in vain, and only serve to accumulate expense, add to our perplexities, 
and dissatisfy the people, without a prospect of obtaining the prize in view. 
But these sentiments do not appear well in a hasty letter, without digestion or 
order. I have not time to give them otherwise, and shall only assure you that 
they are well meant, however crude they inav appear. With sincere affection, 

I am, dear sir, 

your must obedient servant, 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 
George Masopt, Esq. 



i i 8 Memoirs of the War in the 

quartermaster general, in which he ncqnitterl himself with con^iim" 
m-.ite ability. He commanded the division of the army opposed to 
lieutenant general Kn3'phausen, at Springfield, in 1780, and acquir- 
ed, as he merited, distinguished applause. 

We have before seen, that he checked the advance of the British 
with Weedon's brigade in the close of llie battle of Brandywine ; 
ttjaf he was opposed to lord Cornvvallis in New Jersey, when the 
maintenance of the obstruction to the navigation of the Delaware 
%vas ardently pursued by the commander in chief; and that he com- 
manded the left wing of the army at the action of Germantown. 
He was honoured at the battle of Monmouth with the direction of 
the right wing, which was conducted much to his credit, and to the 
annoyance of tiie et'cmy. He was under Sullivan in the invasion 
of Khode Island, and contributed very mtich to the excellent re- 
treat which became necessary'. Indeed, so manifold and important 
were his services, that he became a very highly trusted counsellor 
of the commander in chief; res}>ected for his sincerity, prized for 
his disinterestedness, and valued for his wisdom. It followed, of 
course, when calamity thickened, and the means of resistance grew 
thin, that Greene should be suinmoned to break the force of the one, 
ynd to nerve the imbecility of the other. 

He was accordingly nominated by Washington to the command 
of the southern army. 

Congress passed a resolution, incorporatingthe states of Delaware 
and Maryland with the southern department, and the commander 
in chief detached, from his array, lieutenant colonel Lee, with his 
legion, to the south. This corps coQsisted of three troops of horse, 
and three companies of infantry, giving a total of three hundred and 
fifty effectives. But it was not complete ; and after its arrival in 
the South, gradual!)' diminished. Such was the debilitated coiidilion 
of our military force, that only this trifling reinforcement could be 
spared to a general, charged with the arduous task of saving Virgi- 
nia and North Carolina, and of reaunexing to (he Union the states 
south of them. 

What better testimony could be furnished of our fitness, at that 
time, for the repose of peace ? But it was necessary to prosecute 
the war with zeal and vigour, or the great |)rize for which the con- 
federate states were struggling would be lost, or but partially gained. 
The enemy's strength had also very much dwindled, and his re- 
plenishment of the waste of war was not exempt from difficulty. 
He had to contend by sea and by land with potent nations, and to 
spread his force in every quarter of the globe. Such was the eifect 
of our alliance with the house of Bourbon, and the result of Gates's 
victory at Saratoga. 



Southern Departtnefit of the United States. 119 



CHAPTER XXI. 

IjrENERAIi GREENE, after employing a few tlays in preparin<* 
for liis journey, relintiuished, wilh reluciauce, liis inierior station, to 
take upon hiiiiselftlie lionourable though weighty conwuand to which 
he had been cuUed. lie passed through the states of Delaware and 
Maryhind, for the purpose of ascertaining llie extent of the assis- 
tance to be obtained from that quarter. 

Here he was informed that brigadier Gist had been indefatigably 
engaged in executing the trust reposed in him ; but such was the 
dithculty at this period of procuring recruits as to forbid the expec- 
tation of filling up the regiments, without the substitution of somti 
new mode. On this, and all other subjects, connected with his du- 
ty, he held full and free conferences with the state governments ; 
and having made his final arrangements, pursued bis journey to Rich- 
mond, the capital of Virginia. 

This slate was properly considered the fountain of southern re- 
sistance. Her relative antiquity, the stock of loyalty for which she 
had been always distinguished, her well known obethence to law and 
liatred of change, had convinced the waveiingand the doubting, that 
our resistance was just, and consisie-ut with the great charter of 
British liberty. Thus, by the sanction of her authority, she had 
stripped resistance of its imaginary horrors. The extent of her 
domain< the value of her products, the vigour of her councils, and 
the political fame she had acquired in the tirst corigrcss by a happy 
selection of delegates, placed her high in the respect and contidence 
of her sister states.* The uniform sample of wisdom, exhibited by 
her deputies in that body, inspired the nation with exalted senti- 
riients of the place of their nativity. To the hand of one of her 
sons had been committed the sword of defence, from the lips of 
another, in obedience to the commands of his constituents, came the 
proposal of our independence, and by the pen of a third that inde- 
pendence was declared. Although the mobt ancient and loyal of the 
colonies, she had, in our just war, bef n uniformly decisive and active; 
and though not particularly injured by the tirst hostile acts of par- 
liament, she nevertheless kept pace with Massachusetts, the devoted 
object of ministerial vengeance, in the incipient steps of resistance. 
Thus distinguished, she was marked as a peculiar victim by the 
common enemy. Happily for hei'self, as well as for the Union, few 
of her inhabitants had taken side with the mother country ; and most 
of those few in the first stage of the revolution, had left the state, 

*The selection of our first deputies establishes an important truth, that the 
people in danger, and free from the distraction of feuds and faciicais, will al- 
ways act wisely. When distracted by feud and severed by faction, they wiH 
rarely do so. The Virginia assembly nmde its first election of delegates exempt 
from the art and rage of faction. They were Peyton Randolph, Geoige 
Washington, Richard H. Lee, Patrick Hen.'y, Edmund Pendleton, Ritihard 
Bland, and Bepjamin Harrison. 



120 Memoirs of the War in the 

Thus her undivided ability was employed in the tirai rnaintenatice 
of the Hiir. 

As soon as sir Henry Clinton took command of the British army, 
the humhliiiy; of Virginia became a leading object of his jibms. 
For, by maiming; her strength, he lessened her ability to give sup. 
port and countenance to that division of the states which he bad 
then selected as the principal theatre of the war. A devastating 
expedition had been successfully prosecuted under general Mat- 
thews ; ;ind as soon as the defeat of general Gates was known at 
New York, Leslie, as had been mentioned, was detached with three 
thousand men to the Chesapeake for the purpose of co-operating 
v.'ith lord Cornwalhs, then expected to have been considerably ad- 
vanced in completing the conquest of North Carolina. 

When Greene reached Richmond, he found the government en- 
gaged in preparing means of defence against Leslie, who had estab- 
lished himself at Portsmouth. Helving upon this state for his prin- 
cipal support in men and stores, he was sensibly affected by the 
ditficuUies m which he tbund her. But active and intelligent, pene- 
trating and laborious, he persevered in his exertions. Having 
brought his arrangements to a satisfactory conclusion, be proceeded 
to the south, le iving major general Baron Sleuben* to direct the 
defence of Virginia, and to snpei intend the reinforcements preparing 
for the southern army. From .Richmond he hastened to Hillsbo- 
rough, the seat of government of North Carolina Here he found 
the executive, apprised of the dangers by which the state was 
threatened, well disposed to exert their authority in preparing 
means to resist the advancing enemy. This state very much resem- 
bles Virginia in the manners and habits of the people, so much so as 
to induce the conclusion of its being settled principally by emigrants 
from Itiat state. Its population, tbotigh double that ot South Caro- 
lina, was very disproj)ortiotiate to the extent of its territory. 

North Cainlina is watered by many rivers ; few of which are na- 
vigable for ships. Cape Fear is the most considerable ; and that 
only navigable to VVihinngton, situated not very distant from (he sea. 
In a state of war, when naval superiority is conclusively in favour of 
the enemy, as was the case in our contest, this privation of nature 
was replete with advantage to us, though extremely incommodious 
in peace. It is only to be assailed with effect through Virginia or 

♦This officer was a Prussian by birth, and bad passed his youth in arms 
during the war of 1754, chiefly under the orders of prince Flenry, brjther to 
the Great Frecterick, and his rival in military celebrity. Towards the close of 
that war, Steuben had been introduced into the family of the prince, whose 
confidence and esteem he enjoyed for ever after. On his arrival in America he 
attracted the considei ation of congiess, and was soon promoted to the station 
of in!^pector genrral of the army, with the rank of major general. To him vie 
are indebted ior the great proficiency in tactics acquired by the troops in 1777, 
1778 at Valley F^oige. He was singularly useful in tnis line, and much 'e- 
spected for his military experience. Faithful and honourable, he supported the 
cause of his -idopted country with the ardour of youth, gained high confideiire 
with the commander in chief, and was honoured, on many occasions, with im- 
portant trusts. 



Southern Department of the United States, 121 

South Carolina, through each of which he; foreign commerce passes. 
At this timt! it was threalened on both sides, as Leslie still continued 
in Virginia, waiting, as was presumed, for the advance of lord Corn- 
wallis. Although in this state, horses, bacon, Indian corn and beef, 
which constitute the most essential supplies of an irniy, could be 
found in abundance, yet, from the thinness of population, the collec- 
tion of them was inconvenient. 

The mountainous region of North Carolina was inhabited by a 
race of hardy men, who were familiar witli the use of the horse and 
rifle, were stout, active, patient under privation, ami brave. Irre- 
gular in their movements, and uriaccustomed to restraint, they 
delighted in the fury of action, but pmed under the servitude and 
inactivity of camp. True to the American cause, they dii^played 
an impetuous zeal, whenever their wild and ardent temper prompted 
the contribution of their aid. In the middle and Atlantic sections 
lived a race, less capable of labour, and less willing to endure it ; who 
were much divided in political opinions, and incumbered with that 
dreadful evil,* which the cruel policy of preceding times had intro- 
duced. f The prospect of efficient aid tVom a state so situated, was 
not encouraging. But the fertile genius of Greene, deriving new 
influence from his conciliating manners, soon laid the foundation of 
a support, which would have been cotnpletel}' adequate to his par- 
pose, had the quality of the troops corresponded with their number. 
Having finished his preparatory measures, he hastened to Charlotte, 
pleased with the hepe of rescuing the state from the impending ca- 
lamities. On the 2d of December, he reach<d the army, and was 
received by general Gates with the most cordial respect. The 
translation of the command was announced in general orders on the 
ensuing day. After devoting a short time to those communications, 
which were essential to the information of his successor. Gates took 
leave of the army, and proceeded to meet the inquiry into his coa- 
duct, which had been ordered by congress. His progress was slow, 
his manners were grave, his demeanor was condescending, his con- 
versation reserved. On his long road, no countenance shed the 
halm of condolence ; all were gloomy, all scowling. The fatal los8 
of the IGth of August was acutely remembered ; but the Important 
victory of .Saratoga was forgotten. The unfortunate general at 
length reached Richmond, where the general assembly of V^irginia 

* Negro slavery. 

t Tlie constitution of the Uiiiter! States, ndopted lately with so much diffi- 
culty, has effectually provided against the increase of this evil (by importation,) 
after a few years. Tliis single Deiievolent, and judicious trait, ought to have 
recommended thiit instrument strongly to the pious and amiable throughout the 
Union, and to the slave holder of every description. Yet in most of the slave 
states it was pertinaciously opposed. 

It is much to be lamented, that having done so much good in this way, a 
provision had not been made for the gradual abolition of slavery. In a state 
of war, what can be more dreadful than the conviction, that we have in out 
bosoms an inveterate enen)y ready to turn upon us in our beds, whenever op- 
portunity and instigation shall prompt to the execution of the bloody tragedy ; 
ret this is the state of the Union south of Susquehanna. 
16 



122 Memoirs of the War in ike 

was in session.* Great and good men then governed the state. 
Instructed by history, guided by the dictates of virtue, and gratefuJ 
for eminent services, tliey saw a wide difference between misfortune 
and criminality, and weighed the exploits in the North against the 
disasters in the South. These fathers of the commonwealth ap- 
pointi^.d a commiltee of their body to wait on the vanquished gene- 
ral, and " to assure him of their liigh regard and esteem : that their 
remembrance of hi.s former glorious services was never to be obli- 
terated by any reverse of fortune ; but, ever mindful of his great 
merit, they would omit no opportunity of testifying to the world the 
gratitude which Virginia, as a member of the American Union, owed 
to him in his military character " 

General Gates had supported his fall from splendid elevation to 
obscurity, with apparent fortilude and complacency, ile was sen- 
sibly ali'ected, and comforted by this kind reception, and retired to 
his farm in the county of Berkley, where the keen regrets of dis- 
appointment and mislbrtune were softened b}' the soothing occupa- 
tiotis of agriculture, and the condolence of the state in which he 
resided t 

The dignitied and wise policy of the Virginia legislature was high- 
ly honourable to that body, and furnishes an instructive lesson to 

*Exuact from the minutes of tlie house of delegates. 

Thursday, 2»th Duember, 1780. 

" Resolved, that a committee of four be appointed to wait on major genera! 
(Jatcs, and to assure him of the liigh regard and esteem of this house; lh;it 
the reuicinbrance of his fornier glorious services cannot be obliterated by any re- 
verse of fortune, but that this house, ever mindful of his great merit, will omit 
no opportunity of testifying to the woTld the gralitudo which, as a member oi 
the American Union, this country owes him in his military character.'' 

And tlie said resolution being read a second time, was, on the question put 
thereupon, agreed to by the house nemine contradicente. 

Ordered, iliut Mr. Heii'y, Mr. R. II. Lee, Air. Yane, and general Nelson^ 
be appointed of the same connnittee. 

Friday, 29lk December, 1730. 
Mr. Henry reported from the committee appointed to corrmunicHte the resolu- 
tion of the house of yesterday to major general Gates, tiiat the committee had, 
according to order, communicatiid liie same to that p;entleman; and that he had 
beeu pleased to return tlie following answer : 

Richmond, 2olh December, 1780. 
I sliall remember, with the utmost gratitude, the honour this day done me 
by the honourable house, of delog.iies of Virginia. When I engaged in the 
cause of freedom, and of the Unilecl States, I devoted myself entirely to the 
service of obtaining the great end of this Union. I'he having been once uu- 
fortunnte is my great mortification ; but let the event of my future services be 
what it may, thoy will, as they always hiive been, be directed by the most 
faithful integrity, and animated by the purest zeal for the honour and interest 
of the United States. HORATIO GATES. 

+ This conduct comes nearest to that of t!ie R,oman senate, who thanked 
Varro, the author of the defeat at Caiina;, for returning to Rome, and for not 
having dsKpaired of the coioinonwoalth. A tnag'nn.nimity unequallad iu the his- 
tory of iiiitious. 



Southern Department of the United States. 123 

sovereigns. Amiable antl enlighlennd as is guch conduct, it i*, ne- 
vertheless, uncoiDmon ; iiiid otir levolutionary records furnish no 
similar instance. Washington, indeed, uniforrnly experienced the 
gratitude of congress, and of the state assenihlies ; and their re- 
solves of approhation sometimes followed his defeats. But the 
judgment and circumspection displayed by the coflimander in chief, 
even in his most severe disasters, maniles'ed the propriety of his 
conduct, and the necessity of the risk he incurred. Never did this 
general precipitately seek action ; but when it became unavoidable, 
he prepared himself, in the best practicable manner, for the con- 
flict. Limiting, by his foresight, the extent of his loss, guarding, by 
his disposition, security of retreat, and repairing with celerity the 
injury sustained,* his relative condition was oiten m<di«v,;tted, al- 
though victory adorned the brow of his adversary. Very diflerent 
had been the conduct of general Gates in Carolina, and very differ- 
ent was the result on the 16th of August. 

Washington rivalled the magnanimity which the general assembly 
of Virginia had displayed. Although he remembered the dilatory 
advance of a portion of the northern army to his succour, when 
that succour was indis[)ensable and expected ; although he remem- 
bered that its commander had dared to trifle with his mandate ; and 
was not insensible that this conduct had proceeded from a settled 
design to supplant him in his high station ; yet he repressed the 
feelings which such recollections would naturally have excited in 
most breasts, and with all the delicacy of superior virtue extended 
his condolence, to assuage the asperity which clings to misfortune. 
With a hope that the speedy termination of the war might preclude 
the necessity of an investigation, so mortifying to a soldier still 
proud of his former fame, though fallen in public estimation, gene- 
ral Washington con.passionately dei'erred the assembling of the 
court. The war soon afterwards closed, and the prosecution of the 
inquiry necessarily ceased. j 

* This fact was eminently illustrated by the battle of Gemantown. Sit 
William Howe gained tlie riay, but the ndvantages which resulted from the 
action were evidently on the side of Washington. Tlie Biitisli general gave up 
the small district of the country he held, and submitted to the iiiconveiiiences 
of a position around Philadelphia. Exchanging an open country for the suburbs 
of the city, salubrity for insiiluhrity, and drawing upon his troops the additional 
labour of field works, to put liimself safe, while pursuing his measures for the 
restoration of the river navigation. 

t Mr. Marshall, in his Life of Wasbington, has treated this interesting tran- 
saction will) peculiar attention. The cnriespondence between the two generals, 
xvilh which this writer lias favoured the public, is so characteristic, (hat I can- 
uot refrain from transcribing it. 

Albany, December WJi, 1777. 
Sir: 

I fchall not attempt to describe, what, as a private gentlemen, I cannot help 
feeling, on representing to nw mind the disagreeable situation, whirh confiden- 
tial letters, when exposed to public inspection, may place an unsuspecting coi- 
respondent in ; but as a public officer, 1 conjure your excellency to give me alj 
fhe assistance you can, in tracing out the author of the infidelity which put ex- 
tracts from general Conway's letters to me into your handsi These letters 



124 Memoirs of the War in the 



CHAPTER XXII. 



Gi 



"ENEIIAL GREENE directed his whole attention to the high 
duties of his command. On reviewing his army, he found its total 
not more than two thousand, of which the major part was militia, 

have been stealingly copied ; but which of them, when, or by whom, is to me, 
as yet, hii unfathomable secret. There is not one officer in my suite, or amongst 
those who have free access to me, upon whom I couht, with the least justifica- 
tion to myself, fix the suspicion ; anr) yet my uneasiness may deprive me of the 
usefulness of the worthiest men. It is, I believe, in your excellency's power 
to do me and the United States a very important service, in detecting a wretch 
who may betray me, and capitally injure the very operations under your im- 
mediate direction. For this reason, sir, I l)eg your excellency will favour me 
with the proofs you can procure to that effect. But the crime being eventually 
so important, that the least loss of time may be attended with the worst con- 
sequences, and it being unknown to me, whether the letter came to you from a 
member of congress, or from an officer. I shall have the honour of transmitting 
a copy of this to the president, that congress may, in concert witi) youc excel- 
lency, obtain, as soon as possible, a discovery wliich deeply affects the safety 
of these states. Crimes of that magnitude ought not to remain unpunished. 

I have the honour to be, 
Sir, 
With the greatest respect, 

your excellency's most humble 

and most obedient servant, 

HORATIO GATES. 
His excellency general Washington. 

Valley Forge, January \4lh, 1778. 
Sir: 

Your letter of the 18th ultimo came to my hands a few days ago, and to my 
great surprise iiifornied me, that a copy of it had been sent to congress ; for 
what reason I find myself unable to account; but as some end doubtless was 
intended to be answered by it, 1 am laid under the disagreeable necessity of 
returning my answfr through the same channel, lest any member of that body 
should haib(;ur some unfavourable suspicion of my having practised some indi- 
rect means to tome at the contents of the confii'.ential letters between you and 
general Conway. 

i am to inform you then, that *********** on his way to congress, in the 
month of OctobiT last, fell in with lord Stirling at Reading ; and not in ron- 
fidenre that I ever understood, informed his aid-de-cainp, major M" Williams, 
that general tllonway had written thus to you : "Heaven has been determined 
to save your country; or a weak general and bad counsellois would have ruin- 
ed it. ^' Lord Stirling, frOMi motives of Iriendship, transmitted the account with 
this remark:" The inclosed was communicated by *********** to major 
JVI'Willi^iins ; such wicked duplicity of conduct I shall always think it my duty 
to detect." 

In consequence of this information, and without having any thing more in 
view, than mereljp^ to show iliut gentleman that I was not unapprised of his in- 
triguing di>positio'i, I wrote him a letter in these woids : "Sir, a letter which I 
received last night, contained the foil >wing paragraph : ' in a letter from general 
Conway to gen.'ral tiatcs, he says, Heaven has determined to save your coun- 
try ; or a weak general and bad counsellors would have ruined it.' I am sir, &c." 



Southern Department of the United States. 1 25 

NotwithstRnding the exertions of his predecessor to establish ma- 
gazines, he found three d.tys' provision only on hand, and the coun- 
try around him exhausted. His supply of ammunition was very 

Neither the letter nor the information which occasioneH it was ever, directly 
or indirectly, communicated by me to a single officer in the army, (out of my 
own family) excepting the marquis de la Fayette, who, having been spoken to 
on the subject by general Conway, applied for, and saw, uner injunctioi s of 
secrecy, the letter which contained this. So desirous was I of concealing every 
matter that could, in its consequences, give the smallest interruption to the 
tranquility of this army, or afford a gleam of hope to the enemy by dissensions 
therein. 

I trust, sir, with that openness and candour which I hope will ever character- 
ize and marli my conduct, I have complied with your request. The only con- 
cern I feel upon the orcasion, finding how inatters stand, is, that in doing this- 
I have been necessarily obligated to name a gentleman, who, I am persuaded, 
(although 1 never exchanged a word with him upon the subject) thought he waa 
rather «ioing an act of justice than committing in act of infidelity ; and sure 1 
am, tliMt until lord Stirling''s lettei came to my hands, I never knew that gene- 
ral Conway (whom I viewed in the light of a stiangei to you) w.ts a correspon'lt;nt 
of j'ours; much less did 1 suspect that I was the subject of your confidential 
letters. Pardon me then for adding, that so far from conceiving that the safety 
of these states can be affected, or in the smallest degree injured, by a discovery 
of this kind, or that I should be called upon in such solemn terms to point out 
the author, that I considered the information as coming from yourself, and 
given with a friendly view to forewarn, and consequently to forearm, roe against 
a secret enemy ; or in other words, a dangerous incendiary : in which character, 
sooner or later, this country will know general Conway, But in this, as well 
as other matters of late, I have found myself mistaken. 

I am, Sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

To mhjor general Gates. 

Whatever part general Conway n.ay have taken in this flagitious attempt, 
whetiier principal or secondary, is not ascertained ; but he had gone far enough 
to warrant the commander in chief in denouncing him a "dangerous incendiary." 

Nevertheless, justice requires that I should add, that this officer was among 
the most respectable and the most experienced of the many French gentlemen 
who joined the American army ; and that he afterwards made, to his much in- 
jured commander, the best amends in his power, as is manifested by the fol- 
lowing letter, written after resignation of his commission, and when he expect- 
ed to die in consequence of a wound received in a duel with general CadwaU 
lader, produced by his animadversion on the commander in chief. 

Philadelphia, February 22d, 1 778. 
Sir : 
I find myself just able to hold my pen during a few minutes, and take this 
opportunity of expressing my sincere grief, for having done, written, or said, 
any thitig disagreeable to your excellency. My career will soon be over ; there- 
fore justice and truth prompt me to declare my last sentiments. You are iu 
my eyes the great and good man. May yon long enjoy the love, esteem, and 
veneration of these states, whose liberties you have asserted by your virtues. 

I am, with the greatest respect, 

your excellency's most obedient humble servant, 

JMI. CONWAY,'^ 



12^ Memoirs of the War in the 

scanty ; and Virginia nas the nearest point, from which a replenish- 
ment couid be obtninefi. 

Such means and resources l);>dly cornporteJ with the grand desigo 
of arresting I he progress of tlie concpieror. and restoring the two 
lost states to the Union. Capable of (Initig much with little, Greene 
was not discouraged ity this untavourable prospect. Mis vivid plag. 
tic genius soon operated on the l:itent elements of martial capacity 
in his army, invigorated its weakness, turned its confusion into or- 
der, and its despondency into ardour. A wide sphere of intellectual 
resource enabled him to inspire confidence, to rekindle courage, to 
decide hesitation, and infu>ie a spirit of exalted patriotism in the 
citizens of ttie state. By his own example, he showed the incalcu- 
lable value of obedience, of patience, of vigilance and temperance. 
Dispensing justice, with an even hand, to the citizen and soldier ; 
benign in heart, and happy in manners ; he acquired the durable 
attachment and esteem of all. He collected around his person, able 
and respectable otiicers ; and selected, for the several depiirtments, 
those who were best cpialificd to fill them. His operations were 
then commenced with a boldness of design, well calculated to rai^e 
the drooping hopes of his country, and to excite the respect of his 
enemy. 

This illustrious m^n had now reached his thirty eighth year. 
In person he was rather corpulent, and above the common size. 
His complexion was fair and florid ; his countenance serene and 
mild, indicating a goodness wliich seemed to shade and soflen the 
fire and greatness of its expre-^sion. His health was delicate, but 
preserved by temperance and exercise. 

The British army siill remamed at Winnsborongh. Gener.i! 
Greene determined to draw in the detachment under SmaUwond, 
which was udvanced some distance in his iront, and to risk the di- 
vision of his force by taking two distant positions on each tlank of 
the British army. 

Previous to this movement, brigadier Morgan, who commanded 
the van of SmalUvood's detachment, alttm>pied to stiike a foraging 
party of tlic enemy, which had penetrated the country between 
the two armies. But the vigilant adversary eluded the blow, and 
returned in safety to Camden. Lieutenant colonel Washington, at 
the head of the cavalry, having taken a more extensive range than 
the infantry, discovered that a party of loyalists were stationed at 
Rudgley's farm, about twelve miles from Camden. He moved in- 
stantly towards them, in expectation of carrying the t)Ost by sur- 
prise ; l»Mt in this he was disappointed, as they occupied a barn, 
surrounded by abatlis, and secure from any attempt of cavalry. 
Rndgley and his Oiends were delighted witti the safety their pre- 
caution had jiroduced, and viewed the a[)proach of horse with in- 
diffeience. Short was their repose. Washington, well informed 
of the charactei- of his enemy, shaped the trunk of a tree in imi- 
tation of u field piece ; and, bringing it up in a military style, af- 
ferted to prepare to cannonade the barn. To give solemnity to the 
device, he sent in a tlag, warning the garrison of the impending 



Southern Department of the United States. 127 

destruction, which could be only avoided by immediate submission. 
Not prepared lo resist artillery, colonel Rudgley seized with promp- 
titude the auspicious opportunity ; and, with his garrison, one hun- 
dred men, surrendered at discretion ! No circumstance can more 
strongly demonsirdte the propriety of using every effort in war. 
A soldier should intimately know the character ot his enemy, and 
mould his measures accordingly. This stratagem of Washington, 
although conceived and executed with little hope of success, was 
completely successful ; and enabled hun to elTect an object, which, 
at rirst view, most would have abandoned as clearly unattainable. 

The return of Smallwood's detachment to camp was followed by 
the immediate departure of tl-ie army from Charlotte. The division, 
intended for operations in the westein quarter, was composed of 
four hundred continental infrtniry under lieutenant colonel Howard, 
of the MaryliUid line, two companies of the Virginia' militia under 
captains Triplett and Taite, and the remnants of the first and third 
regiments of dragoons, «ne hundred in number, under lieutenant 
colonel Washington. It was placed under the care of brigadier 
general Morgan, who vv.is to be strengthened on his march by bo- 
dies ot" mountain militia from Carolina and Georgia. He was or- 
dered to pass the Catawba, and take post in tiie counti'y between 
the Broad and Pacoiet rivers. Greene, with the main body, moved 
down the Pedee, and took a position on its eastern bank, nearly 
opposite Cheraw hill. By this disposition, general Greene secured 
an abundance of wholesome provisions for his troops ; afforded 
safe rendezvous for the militia in the East and West, on whose aid 
he necessarily relied ; re-excited by his proximity the spirit of re- 
voU, which preceding events had repressed ; menaced the various 
posts of the enemy, and their intermediate communications ; and 
compelled lord Cornwallis to postpone his advance into North Car- 
olina, uniil he should iiave cleared the country to the west of his 
enemy. During brigadier Morgan's march he received a part of 
the expected succeur, amounting nearly to live hundred militia, 
under geneml Pickens ;* and passing the Broad liver, he estab- 
Jisbed himself near the point of its confluence with the Pacolet. 

About the 13ih of December, prior to Greene's departure from 
Charlotte, major general Leslie arrived with his detachment at 
Charleston, where he found orders to repair with one thousand 
five hundred of his troops to Camden. As Leslie was approach- 
ing this place, lord Cornwallis-learned the disposition of the hostile 
army, and about the end of December became acquainted with the 
progiess of Morgan. Greene was seventy miles to his right, and 
Morgan fifty on his left. Lord Cornwallis began to apprehend a 
design on Ninety-six ; and determined to direct his first steps 
against Morgan, lest the junction of numerous bodies of mountam 
militia, with that enterprising officer, should enable him to destroy 
»11 communication with Augusta, and finally to carry that post, 

* " Some militia joind us on the march, but Pickens wiih iiis piiucipal force 
did not join us until the evening betnta the battle of liic Cowpens." Cot. H. 



128 Memoirs of the War in the 

if not Ninety-six. The legion horse and foot, the light infantry 
attached to it, the seventh regiment ami tirst battaiion of the seven- 
ty-first, with two field |>ieces, were put in motion under lieutenant 
colonel Tarleton. The tirst ohject was to protect Ninety-six ; and 
the next, to bring Morgan to battle, or repel him into North Car- 
ohna. 

Soon after general Greene had taken his position opposite to 
Cheraw hill, lieutenant colonel Lee, with his legion, making ahout 
two hundred and eighty, in horse and foot, joined the army. This 
corps, being in exctllent condition, was, on the next day order- 
ed to cross tlie Pedee, in order to support brigadier Marion, 
who continued to intercept and harass the enemy's posts between 
the Pedee and the Santee. In a few days after Lee's junction 
with Marion, they projected an enterprise against the garrison of 
Georgetown, a small village in South Carolina, situated on the bay 
into which the Pedee empties. Colonel Campbell comm;tnded in 
this tovvn. with a garrison of two hundred men. In his front he 
had jifepared some slight defences, better calculated to repel a 
sudden, than resist a determined, assault. Between these defences 
and the tovvn, and contiguous to each, was an enclosed work with 
a frize and palisade, which constituted his chief protection. A 
subaltern guard held it. The rest of the troops were dispersed in 
liglit parties in and near the town, looking towards the coutitry. 
The plan of assault was founded on the facility with which the as- 
sailant might convey down the Pedee a part of his force undisco- 
vered, and land in the water suburb of the tovvn, which, being al- 
ways deemed secure, was consequently unguarded. After this 
body should have reached the wharves, it was to move in two divi- 
flions. The first was to force the commandant's quarters, known to 
be the place of parade, then to secure him, and all who might flock 
thither on the alarm. The second was to be charged with the in- 
terception of such of the garrison as might attempt to gain the fort, 
their chief point of safety on annoyance. The militia and cavalry 
of the legion, under Marion and Lee, were to approach near the 
town in the night ; and when the entrance of the infantry, passed 
down by water, should be announced, they were to rush into it for 
CO operation and support. 

The plan being approved by general Greene, preparations were 
immediately made for its execution. The infantry of the legion 
were embarked in boats, under the command of captain Carnei?. 
with orders to fall down the Pedee to a designated island, during 
the first night ; to land and lay concealed there the ensuing day; to 
re-embark at an early hour of the night follovying, and reach 
Georgetown between one and two in the morning. Marion and Lee 
proceeded to their destination, having taken all the requisite pre- 
cautions to prevent any intimation to the enemy of their approach. 
A* twelve o'clock in the second night, they occupied, unperceived, 
a position in the vicinity of the town, and waited anxiously for the 
annunciation of Carne's arrival. This officer met with no difficulty 
in descending the river, and reached the appointed island before 



Southern Department of the United States. 129 

dawn of light. He remained there the ensuing day : and so unusual 
is inland navigation in South Carolina, so impervious are the 
deep swamps which line its rivers, that he might have sojourned 
for weeks on the island without discovery. Gaininjj his pbce of 
destination with precision in point of time, he landed unperceived, 
and instantly advanced to the quarters of lieutenant colonel Camp- 
bell. The commandant was secured ; and Carnes judiciously post- 
ed his division for seizing such parlies of the garrison as might 
tlock to the parade ground. Captain Rudolph, who led the second 
division, with equal good fortune gained the vicinity of the fort ; 
and arranged his troops on the route of communication, in order to 
arrest the fugitives. On the first fire which took place at the com- 
mandant's quarters, the militia of Marion and the dragoons of Lee 
rushed into the town, prepared to bear down all resistance. To 
the astonishment of these officers, every thing wajoquiet ; the 
legion infantry holding its assigned stations, and lieutenant colonel 
Campbell a prisoner. Not a British soldier appeared ; not one at- 
tempted either to gain the fort, or repair to the commandani. Hav- 
ing discovered their enemy, the troops of the garrison kept close 
to their respective quarters, barricaded the doors, and determined 
there to defend themselves. The assailants were unprovided with 
the requisite invplements for battering doors and scaling windows. 
The fort was in the possession of the enemy, and daylight approach- 
ing. Marion and Lee were therefore compelled to retire with a 
partial accomplishment ol their object. Colonel Campbell was 
suffered to remaifl on parole ; and the troops withdrew from George- 
town, unhurt and unannoyed. The plan of this enterprise, although 
conceived with ingenuity, and executed with precision, was too re- 
lined and cotnplicated for success. Marion and Lee were singularly 
tender of the lives of their soldiers ; and preferred moderate suc- 
cess, with little loss, to the most brilliant enterprise, with the de- 
struction of many of their troops. This principle is wise and com- 
mendable ; but, when carried too far, it is sure to produce disap- 
pointment, if, instead of placing Rudol[)h's division to intercept 
the fugitives, it had been ordered to carry the fort by the bayonet, 
our success would have been complete. The fort taken, and the 
commandant a prisoner, we might have availed ourselves of the 
cannon, and have readily demolished every obstacle and sheUer^ 



CHAPTER XXIII.* 

J^OON after Tarleton had been detached in pursuit of Morgan, 
the British general put his army in motion. Having in view the 

* The judicious reader will perceive that the personal narrative which the 
author had entered upon, is iiere di&conliruied, and is not resumed until the 
junction of the American forces at Guilford C. H. is mentioned. 

These interchanijes of Memoirs and history, lecur subsequently, and agree* 
ably diversifv the style of the work. — Ed. 
17 



130 Memoirs of the War in the 

interception of Morgan, should he ehide Taileton ; and preferring 
to advance into North Carolina on the upper route, to avoid as nuich 
as possible the obstructions, usual at that season, frona the rising of 
water courses ; Cornvvallis directed his march between the Catawbu 
and Broad river. To keep in doubt his plan of operations, gene- 
ral Leslie had been continued at Camden ; but he was now direct- 
ed to move on the e.istern side of the VVateree and Catawba, paral- 
lel to his lordship's route. 

Lieutenant colonel Tarleton lost no time in approaching his ene- 
my. Morgan was duly apprised of his advance, and of the move- 
ment of the British army. At the head of troops, able and willing 
to light, he was rather disposed to meet than to avoid his foe ; and 
would probably h.ive resolved on immediate action, had he not felt 
the danger of delay in consequence of Cornwallis's advance up the 
Catawba. ,JNIevertheless he indicated a desire to dispute the pas- 
gage of the Pacolet, to which Taileton was fast approaching; but 
he relinquished this plan, in consequence of the enemy's having 
passed the river on his right or above him, and retired with a de- 
gree of precipitation, which proved how judiciously the British 
commandant had taken his tirst steps. Tarleton passed through the 
ground, on which Morgan had been encamped, a few hours after 
the latter had abandoned it ; and, leaving his baggage under a guard 
with oiders to follow with convenient ex()edition, he pressed for- 
ward throughout the night in pursuit of the retiring foe. After a 
fevere march through a rugged country, he came in sight of his 
enemy about eight o'clock in the morning (January 17, 1781 ;) and 
bavintj taken two of our videts, he learned that Morgan had halted 
at the Cowpens. not far in front, and some distance from Broad river. 
Prestiining thist Morg:m would not risk action unless driven to it, 
Tarleton determined, fatigued as his troops were, instantly to ad- 
vance on his enemy, lest he might throw his corps safe over Broad 
river. 

Morgan, having been accustomed to fight and to conquer, did not 
relish the eager and interrupting pursuit of his adversary ; and sat 
down at the Cowpens to give refreshment to his troops, with a re- 
solution no longer to avoid action, should his enemy persist in press- 
ing it. Being apprist^d at the dawn of <l-iy of Tarleton's advance, 
he instantly prepared lor battle. This decision grew out of irrita- 
tion of temper, which appears to have overruled *he suggestions of 
his sound and discriminating judgment.* The ground about the 
Cowpens is covered with open wood, admitting the operaticn of 
oav.diy with facility, m which the enemy trebled Morgan. His 
tlanks had no resting place, but were exposed to be readily turned ; 

♦On this passage colonel Hownrd remavks — that Morgan did not decide on 
action until he was juined in the night by Picitens and his followers — and adds "I 
well remember that parties were coming in the most of the night and calling on 
Morgan for ammunition, and to know the state of affairs. They were all in good 
•piriti, related circumsiiinceg of Tarleton's cru. lly, and expressed the strongest 
desire to check his piogress." The prooibility is, that tliCke circumstances con- 
firmed the decision Morgan had already formed. Ed. 



Southern Department of the United Slates, 131 

and Broad river ran parallel In his rear, forbidding the hope of a 
safe retreat in the event of disn-iter. 1\m\ Morgan cros^^ed this 
river, and approached the mountain, he would have gained a posi- 
tion disadvantageous to cavalry, but convenient for riflemen ; and 
u'ould have sennred a less tlangerons retreat. But these cogent 
reason?, rendered more forcible by his inferiority in numbers, could 
not prevail. Contidiiig in his long tried fortune, conscious of his 
personal su[)eriority in soldiership, and relying on the skill and 
courage of his troops, he adhered to his resolution. Erroneous as 
was the decision to tight in this position, when a better might have 
been easily gained, the disposition for battle was masterly. 

Two light parties of n.ilitia, under major M' Dowel, of North 
Carolina, and major Cunningham, of G:^ori;ia. were advanced in 
front, with orders to feel the enemy as he approached ; and, pre- 
serving a desultory well aimed fire as they fell back to the front 
line, to range with it and renew the conflict. The main body of 
the militia composed this line, with general Pickens at its head. At 
a suitable distance in the rear of the first line a second was station- 
ed, composed of the continCfital infmtry and two companies of Vir- 
ginia militia, under captains Triplett and Taite,* cammanded by 
lieutenant colonel Howard. Washington's cavalry, reinforced with 
a company of mounted militia armed with sabres, was held in re- 
serve ; convenient to support the infantry, and protect the horses 
of the ritle militia, which were tied agreeably to usage in the rear.**. 
On the verge of battle, Morgan availed himself of the short and 
awful interim to exhort his troops. First addressing himself, with 
his characteristic pith, to the line of militia, he extolled the zeal 
and bravery so often displayed by tbc^m, when unsupported by the 
bayonet or sword ; and declared his coiifiJence that they could not 
fail in maintaining their reputation, when supported by chosen bo- 
dies of horse and foot, and conducted by himself Nor did he 
forget to glance at his unvarying fortune, and superior experience ; 
or to mention how often, with his corps of riflemen, he had brought 
British troops, equal to those before him, to submission. He de- 
scribed the deep regret he had alre.uly experienced in being obliged, 
from prudential considerations, to retire before an enemy always in 
his power ; exhorted the line to l)e firm and steady ; to fire with 
good aim ; and if they would pour in but two volleys at killing dis- 
tance, he would take upon himself to secure victory. To the con- 
tinentals, he was very brief. He reminded them of the confidence 
he had always reposed iu their skill and courage ; assured them 
tnat victory was certain if they acted well their part; and desired 

* These two companies of militia were generally coiiiinental soldiers, who, 
having strved the time of their enlistment, had returned home, regularly dis-. 
chained. 

A custom for some time past prevailed, which gave to us the aid of siicli 
«oldiers V^oluntary proffer of service being no longer fasliioiiHble, the militia 
were drafted conformably to a system established by law ; and whenever the 
lot fell upon the timid or wealthy, he procured, by a doceur, a substitue, 
who, fui the moiit part, was one of those hecetufuie dlschaiged. 



1 32 Memoirs of the War in the 

them not to be discouraged by the sudden retreat of the mihtia, that 
being part of his plan and orders. Then taking post with this Une, 
he vvaitcd in «tern «ilence for the enemy. 

The British lieutenant colonel, urging forward, was at length 
gratified with the certainty of battle ; and being prone to presume 
on victory, he hurried the formation of his troops. The light and 
legion infantry, with the seventh regiment, composed the line of 
battle ; in the centre of which wa? ported the artillery, consisting 
of two grasshoppers ; and a troop of dragoons was placed on each 
flank. The battalion of the seventy-first regiment, under major 
M'Arthur, with the remainder of the cavalry, formed the reserve. 
Tarleton placed himself with the line, having under him major New- 
marsh, who commanded the seventh regiment. The disposition 
was not completed, when he directed the line to advance, and the 
reserve to wait further orders.* The American light parties quick- 
ly yielded, fell back, and arrayed with Pickens. The enemy, shout- 
ing, rushed forward upon the front line, which retained its station, 
and poured in a close fire ; but, continuing to advance with the 
bayonet on our militia, they retired and gained with haste the second 
line Here, with part of the corps, Pickens took post on Howard's 
right, and the rest fled to their horses ; probably with orders to 
remove them to a further distance. Tarlelon pushed forward, and 
was received by his adversary with unshaken firmness. The con- 
test became obstinate ; and each party, animated by the example 
of its leader, nobly contended for victory. Our line maintained it- 
self so firmly, as to oblige the enemy to order up his reserve. The 
advance of M-Artbur re-animated the British line, which again mov- 
ed forward ; and, outstretching our front, endangered Howard's 
right. This officer instantly took measures to defend his flank, by 
directing his right company to change its front ; but, mistaking this 
order, the com,»any fell back ; upon which the line began to retire, 
and general Morgan directed it to retreat to the cavalry. This 
manoeuvre being performed with precision, our flank became re- 
lieved, and the new position wa? assumed with promptitude Con- 
sidering this retrograde movement the precursor of flight, the British 
line rushed on with impetuosity and ilisorder ; but as it drew near, 
Howard faced about, and gave it a close and murderous fire. Stun- 
ned by this unexpected shock, the most advanced of the enemy re- 
coiled in confusion. Howard seized the happy moment, and follow- 
ed his advantage with the bayonet. This decisive step gave us thc^ 
day. The reserve having been brought near the line, shared in 
the destruction of our fire, and presented no rallying point to the 

• Tarleton's cavalry are stated at three bundled and fifty, while that under 
Morgan did not exceed eighty. 

Morgan's militia used rifles, and were expert marksmen : this corps composed 
nearly one half of his infantry. 

Tarleton's detacliment is put down at one thousand. Morgan, in a letter to 
general Greene, after his victory, gives his total at eight hundred. 



Southern Department of the United States. 133 

fugitives.* A part of the enemy's cavalry, having gained our rear, 
fell on that portion of the militia who had retired to their horses. 
Washington struck at them with his dragoons, and drove them he- 
fore him. Thus, hy simultaneous efforts, the infantry and cavalry 
of the enemy were routed. Morgan pressed home his success, and 
the pursuit became vigorous and general. The British cavalry 
having taken no part in the action, except the two troops attached 
to the Ime, were in force to cover the retreat. This, however, 
was not done. 'I'he zeal of lieutenant colonel Washington in pur- 
suit having carried him far before his squadron, Tarleton turned 
upon him with the troop of the seventeenth regiment of dragoons, 
seconded b}' many of his otJicers. The American lieutenant colo- 
nel was first rescued from this critical contest by one of his Serjeants, 
and afterwards by a fortunate shot from his bugler's pistol. This 
check concluded resistance on the part of the British officer, who 
di ew otfwith the remains of his cavalry, collected his stragglers, and 
hastened to lord Coi nwallis. The baggage guard, learning the is- 
sue of battle, moved instantly towards the British army. A part 
of the horse, who had shamefully avoided action, and refused to 
chariie when Tarleton wheeled on the impetuous Washington, 
reached the camp of Cornwallis at Fisher's creek, about twenty- 
five miles from the Cowpens, in the evening The remainder ar- 
rived with lieutenant colonel Tarleton on the morning following. 
In th;>j decisive battle we lost about seventy men, of whom twelve 
only were killed. The British infantry, with the exception of the 
baggage guard, were nearly all killed or taken. One hundred, in- 
cluding ten olficers, were killed ; twent3-three officers and five hun- 
dred privates were taken. The artillery, eight hundred muskets, 
two standards, thirty-five baggage wagons, and one hundred dragoon 
horses, fell into our possession, f 

The victory of the Cowpens was to the South what that of Ben- 
nington had been to the North General Morgan, who^e former 
services had placed him high in put)lic estimation, was now deserv- 
edly ranked among the most illustrious defenders of his country, 
Starke fought an inferior, .Morgan a superior, foe. The former 
contended with a GermanJ corps ; the latter with the elite of the 

* " In ttie eagerness of pursuit Washington advanced nearly thirty yards in 
front of his regiment. Observing this, three British officers wheeled about, and 
made a charge upon iiim. The officer on his right was aiming to cut iiini (iown, 
when a Serjeant came up and intercepted the blow by disabling his sword arm. 
At the same instant the officer on his left was also about to make a stroke at 
him, when a waiter, too small to wield a sword, saved him by wounding the 
officer with a ball, discharged from a pistol. At this moment tlie officer in the 
centre, who was believed to be Tarleton, made a thrust at him, « hich he par- 
nedj upon which the officer retreated a few paces, and then discharged a pis- 
tol at him, wliich wounded his knee.'' Marshall's Life of Washington. 

t Cornwallis's letter to sir H. Clinton. 

if This remark is not made to disparage the German troops serving with the 
British army in America. They were excellent soldiers : but, for light services, 
they were inferior to the British. Ignorant of our language, unarcuslome'i to 
woods, with their very heavy dress, they were less capable of r.ctive and quick 
operations. 



] 34 Memoirs of the War in the 

Southern ar.ny, composeJ of British troo|>8. In military reputation 
the coiiqiKror at the Covvpens must stand before the hero of Ben- 
nington. 8laike was nobly seconded by colonel Warner and his 
continental regiment ; Vorgan deriv^ed very great aid from Pickens 
and his militia, and was effectually supported by Howard and Wa>*h- 
inglon. The weight of the buttle ttdl on Howard ; who sustained 
hinjself admirably in trying circuaistances, and seized with decision 
tl>e critical moment to complete with the bayonet the advantage 
gained by his tire. 

Congress manifested their sense of this important victory by a 
resolve, approving the conduct of the principal officers, and com- 
memorative of their distinguished exertions. To general Morgan 
they prG«ented a gold medal, to brigadier Pickens a sword, and to 
lieutenant colonels Howard and Washington a silver medal, and to 
captain Triplett a sword. 

While all rnn^t acknowledge the splendour of this achievement, 
it must be admitted, that the errors of the British coram indant con- 
tributed not a little to our signal success. The aiomenl he came in 
sight of the American detachment, he must have been suie of his 
first wish and object, — batile. Where then was the necessity for 
that hurry with which he took his measures ? It was but little 
after sunri>e ; and consequently, after giving rest to his fatigued 
troops, there would have been time enough for the full accomplish- 
ment of his views. That interval he might have advantageously 
employed in a personal examination of his enemy's position, and in 
a disclosure of his plans to his principal officers. He knevv well 
the composition of Morgan's corps, and the American mode of fight- 
ing. The front line, being composed of militia, he was well ap- 
pri.-ed would } ie!d ; and that the struggle for victory must take place 
after he reached our regulars. He ought not to have run upon the 
retiring militia with his infmtry, but should have brought them up 
in full bodily capacity for the contest. A portion of dragoons might 
and ought to have borne down on Pickens, when retirmg. But in- 
stead of ihat, Tarleton himself, with the first line, pressed forward 
and fell on our main body with exhausted breath The fatigued, 
i)anting, disappointed British, as niight have been expected, pausod. 
Tarleton instantly called up his reserve, which approached near 
the line, suffered with it from our fire, and became usele.-^s. Here 
he violated the fundamental rules of battle. The reserve, as the 
term indicates, ought not to be endangered by the fire levell.d at 
the preceduig body ; but. being sale from musketry by its lii.-tance, 
shoiild be ready to interpose in case of disaster, and to increase ad- 
vantage in the event of victory. In " his Campaigns," he acknow- 
ledges that the ground was disadvantageous to his adversary, and 
favourable to ifimself ; speaks of the alacrity with which his troops 
advanced into action ; and admits the leading facts, on which these 

The splendH issue of the subspquent campaign, and the triumpti of Gates 
had be«n noticed, as well as the instrumentality of Morgan in prciocing the 
auspicious event. Great hud eiffctual as were his exertions, general Gates 
did iioi evc-ii nit;iition iiun in lus ojlicicil dtispatciies. 



Southern Department of the United States. 135 

observation? are founded. He could not deny that he had two field 
pieces, Hnd Morgan none ; that he was vastly superior in cavalry ; 
that his troops were among the best of the British arnmy ; and that 
he rather exceeded his enemy in numbers, whose regulars, horse 
and foot, were less than five hundred. 

These tacts admitted, how can the issue of the battle be satis- 
tactorily explained without acknowledging, that the British leader 
did not avail himself of the advantages he possessed, that his im- 
providence and precipitancy influenced the result, and that general 
Morgan exhrbited a personal supeiiority in the art of war ? This 
conclusion, however contested by lieutenant colonel Tarleton and 
his particular friends, will be approved by the enlightened anti im- 
partial of both armies ; and posterity will confirm the decision. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

jLjORD Cornwallis received the unexpected, doleful tidings of 
'i'arleton's deteat with serenity, but deep regret. He had been 
batHed in his first expedition into North Car»jlina by the fall ol Fer- 
guson ; and this late disaster seemed to tbrbid perseverance in his 
second. With a view to retrieve, by the celerity of his move- 
ments, the severe loss he had sustained, he formed the wise resolu- 
tion of converting his army into light troops by the destruction of 
his baggage. Commanding this sacrifice without respect to persons, 
he set the example himself, by commuting to the tlames the bag- 
gage of headquarters. With zeal and alacrity his faithful army 
obeyed the mandate. Every thing was destroyed, save a small sup- 
ply of clothing, and a sufiicient number of wagons for the conve}'- 
ance of hospital stores, of salt, of ammunition, and for the accom- 
modation of the sick and wounded. We are at a loss ivhether to 
admire more the wisdom of the chief, or the self-denial of his fol- 
lowers. A memorable instance, among many others in this unna- 
ttiral war, of the immutable disposition of the British soldiers to 
endure every privation in support of their king and country. This 
arrangement being finished, lord Cornwallis moved from Fisher's 
creek, determined on unceasing efforts to destroy Morgan, and re- 
cover his captured troops ; to keep separate the two divisions of 
Greene's army ; and, should he fail in these attempts, to bring 
Greene to action before he could reach Virginia. 

Morgan, always attentive to his duty, took measures for retreat 
the moment victory had declared in his favour. In the evening of 
the same day he crossed ihe Broad river, and moved by forced 
marches to the Catawba, before lord Cornwallis could reach its 
banks. 

General Greene was quickly advised of the advance of the Bri- 
tish army from Winnsboruugh and Camden, throuoh the upper 
country :, and accordingly issued his preparatuiy orders for move- 



136 Memoirs of the War in the 

meot. On the subsequent dny he received the gratifying iiiteili- 
gence of the victory at the Cowpens. Foreseeing the enemy'"? 
objects, he hastened his march in conformity with his previous dis- 
position, and despatched a courier to Marion and Lee, apprij^ing 
them of his decampment, and ordering the latter to rejoin with all 
possible celerity. Escorted by a i'dw dragoons, general Greene 
hastened to reach Morgan, which he happily accomplished on the 
last day of January, after that officer had passed the Catawba. 
Aware of the rapidity with which the British general would ad- 
vance to strike him betbre he could gain that point, Morgan redou- 
bled his exertions to reach it ; but with all his activity, so keen and 
persevering had been Cornwallis's pursuit, that he had jufet crossed 
the river on the evening of the 29th of January, when the British 
van appeared on the opposite banks. A heavy fall of rain, during 
the night, rendered the Catawba unfordable. Morgan availed him- 
self of this foitun;ite occurrence ; and continuing in his position 
during the swell of the river, sent off his prisoners, with the arms, 
stores, &,c., taken at the Cowpens, under the protection of a part of 
his mililia, on a route nearer to the mountain than that intended to 
be taknn by himself. The waters continued high for two days, and 
gave the brigadier time to place his prisoners in safety. His light 
troops, joined by some of the neighbouring militia, were disposed, 
by order of general Greene, to dispute the passage of the river. 
This was attempted with a hope of retarding the British general in 
his advance so long as to allow time for brigadier Huger, of South 
Carolina, who had succeeded Smallwood after the retirement of 
that officer from Charlotte, to reach Salisbury, the first point as- 
signed for the junction of the two cJivisions of the American army. 
As soon as trie fall of the water admitted the passage of troops, 
lord Cornwallis resun.ed his march. Lieutenant colonel Webster, 
at the head of one division, was directed to follow the main road to 
Beattie's Ford, indicating an vnlention to pass there ; while the 
British general, with the remainder of his army, decamping about 
midfiight, moved down the river to M'Cowan's, a distant and private 
ford, which he presumed would be neglected b}' his adversary. On 
his approach at the dawn of day, on the first of February, the light 
of fires on the o|)posite banks announced his lordship's miscalcula- 
tion. Private as was this ford, it had not escaped the vigilance of 
Greene ; who had detached, on the preceding evening, general Da- 
vidson with three hundred of the North Carolina militia to defend 
it. A disposition was immediately made to dislodge Davidson, 
which brigadier O'Hara with the guards effected. Lieutenant co- 
lonel Hall led with the li;^ht company, followed by the grenadiers. 
The current was rapid, the stream waist deep, and five hundred 
yards in width. The soldiers crossed in platoons, supporting each 
other's steps. When lieutenant colonel Hall reached the middle 
oi the river, he was descried by the American centinels, whose 
challenge and fire brought Davidson's corps into array. Deserted 
by his guide, Hall passed directly across, not knowing the landing 
])lace which lay below him. This deviation from the common 



Southern Department of the United States. 137 

course rendered it necessary for Davidson to incline to the right ;* 
but this mnnoeovre, although promptly performed, was not effected 
Feb. tintil the hght iiirantry had gained the shore. A tierce con- 
1st. flict ensued, which was well supported by Davidson and his 
inferior force. The ruiUtia at length yielded, and Davidson, while 
mounting his horse to direct the retreat, was killed. The corps 
dispersed, and sought safety in the woods. t Our loss was small, 
excepting the brig.ulier, an active, zealous, and influential officer. 
Lieutenant colonel Hall was also killed, with three of the liglit in- 
fantry, and thirty-six were wounded. Lord Cornwailis followed 
the guards ; and, as sooti as his division had passed, detached lieu- 
tenant colonel Tarleton with the cavalry, supported by the twenty- 
third regiment, in pursuit ot the militia. Terrant's tavern, ten 
miles in front, had been assigned as the place of rendezvous for the 
difl'erent corps of militia, assembled and assembling. Tarleton, ap- 
proaching this place, discovered a body of troops in his front, and 
iell upon them with vigour. The militia made little or no resis- 
tance, and fled : a few of them were killed, but none taken. J 

The inhabitants of this region of the state were well affected to 
the American cause ; and general Greene had flattered himself with 
an expectation of here drawing around him reinforcements, which, 
with the light tioops under Morgan, would enable him to hold lord 
Cornwailis back for some days. But the fdl of Davidson, and the 
rencontre at Terrant's tavern, disappointed, in their effect, this fond 
calculation. He despatched orders to brigadier Huger to relin- 
quish the route to Salisbury, and to take the direct course to Guil- 
ford court-house, to which point he pressed forward with the light 
corps under Moigan. Passing through Salisbury, he proceeded to 
the trading ford on the Yadkin, where he arrived on the night of 
the second of February. 

General Greene having withdrawn his troops from Beattie's ford, 
on his lordship's passage below, lieutenant colonel Webster and his 
division crossed the Catawba without opposition, and in the course 
of the day joined (he British general. Cornwailis had now gained 
one of the great roads, leading to Salisbury ; and the pursuit of our 
light troops was renewed with activity. 

General Greene passed the Yadkin during the night of, and day 

* The movement to the right was prompt for militia, and did credit to David- 
son and his corps, but not so pronipt as the occasion required. Had bngadier 
DaTidson's troops been regulars, the change would have been cfitected before 
the British gamed the shore. With such advantage on our part the resistance 
would have been more effectual, and the injury to the enemy greatly augmented. 
Davidson, too, would probably have been saved. 

Lord Cornwallis's horse was shot under him and fell as soon as he got upon 
th« shore. Leslie's horses were carried down the stream, and with difliculty 
saved ; and O'Hara's tumbled over with him in the water. This evinces the 
zeal of the pursuit; for, in other circumstances, the British general would 
have waited for the further fall of thd waters. 

t Lieutenant colonel Tarleton, in his Campaigns, speaks of forty being kill- 
ed ; but other officers, who examined the ground, asserted they found but ten. 

J A heavy rain had come on so that their rifles could not be fired, which 
gave eyery advantage to Tarleton's horte. CoU H. 

18 



138 Memoirs of the War in the 

following, his arrival at that river. The horse forded (he stream, 
the infantry and most of tlie baggage were transported in flats. A 
kw wagons fell into the hands of the enem)' ;* for, notwithstanding 
the uirfavourable condition of the roads and weather, brigadier O'- 
Feb. Hara pressed forward with the British van, and overtook our 
3c). rear guard. The retreating corps was again placed in a cri- 
tical situation, and Heaven was again propitious. The rain con- 
tinued during the night ; the Yadkin became nnfordable ; and Greene 
had secured all the Hats on its northern bank t 

Th"? British general was a second time delayed by an unforeseen 
event. Relinquishing his anxious wish to bring the light troops to 
-action before their junction with the main body, he recurred to his 
^;l^t expedient, that of cutting Greene oti' from the upper fords of 
the Dan, and compelling his united force to battle, before he could 
either reach Virginia, or derive any aid from that state. With 
this view, he moved up the Yadkin to fords, which were still passa- 
ble. There his lordship crossed ; and, directing his course to the 
Dan, held Greene on his right, with a determination to tiirow the 
American general on the lower Dan, which the great fall of rain had 
rendeied impassable without the assistance of boats, which he sup- 
posed unattainable. This ol)ject, his last hope, the British general 
pursued with his accustomed rapidity. 

Greene was neither less active, nor less diligent. Continuing 
on the direct road to Guilford court-house, he reached that place 
on the 7th of February. Brigadier Huger, who had been overtak- 
en by the legion of Lee, arrived on the same day. The united 
force of Greene, including five hundred militia, exceeded two thou- 
sand three hundred ; of which, two hundred and seventy were ca- 
valry of the best quality. The army of Cornvvallis was estimated 
at two thousand five hundred ; but his cavalry, although more nu- 
merous than that of his adversary, was i,\v inferior in regard to the 
size, condition and activity of the horses. Taking into view his 
comparative weakness, general Greene determined to continue his 
retreat to Virginia. The British general was twenty-five miles 

"The wagons of the army esciiped, but n few belonging to the country 
people, who were following the army to avoid the enemy, were taken. 

Col. H. 

t To an attentive observer of the events during our war very many strong 
exemplifications of providential succour occur, besides the two just noticed. 

Brij^adier general Weedon, served under Washington, and was with him 
when he made the brilliant mantpuvre from before Cornwallis in Trenton; 
leaving his position in the night, and falling suddenly the next morning on the 
enemy at Princeton. 

General Weedon was one of the council of war, called by the commander in 
chief, to advise in his perilous situation. When the members met, the ground 
WHS so deep and soft, that it was presumed the artillery would necessarily be 
left on the road. Before the coun<;il broke up, so immediate had been the 
cliange of the weather, that the ground became hard, and all apprehensions on 
the score of the artillery vanished. This information the writer received from 
general Wee.ion , who remarked, that so evidently advantageous was this sud- 
den change, that it was universally understood by the troops, and as universally 
ascribed to a protecting Providence. 



Southern Department of the United States. 139 

from Guilford court-house ; equally near with Greene to Dix's ffirry 
on the Uan, and nearer tn the ui)|)er blinllovvs or jtoiuts of liial river, 
which were supposed to l)e foidable, nolwittistanding the late swell 
of water. Lieutenant colonel Carrington, qnarterniaster general, 
suggested the propriety of passing at Irwin's ferry, seventy miles 
from Guilford court-house, and twenty below Dix's. BoydV ferry 
was four rniies billow Irwin's ; and the boats might be easily brought, 
down from Dix's to assist in transporting the army at these near and 
lower ferries. The plan of lieutenant colonel Carrington was 
adopted, antl that oflicer was charged with the requisite prej)arations. 
The route ot' retreat being determined, the place of crossing desig- 
nated, and measures taken for the collection of boats, general Greene 
formed a light corps, consisting of some of his best infantry under 
lieutenant colonel Howard, of Washington's cavalry, the legion of 
Lee, and a fevv militia ritiemen, making in all seven hundred. These 
troops were to take post between the retreating and the advancing 
army, to hover round the skirts of the latter, to seize every op()or- 
tunity of striking in detail, and to retard the enemy by vigilance 
and judicious |)ositions : while Greene, with the main body, hasten- 
ed towards the D.in, the boundary of his present toils and dangers. 
The command of the light corps was offered to brigadier Morgan, 
whose titness for such service was universally acknowledged, and 
whose splendid success had commanded the tiigh confidence of the 
general and army. Morgan declined the arduous task; and being at that 
time afflicted, as he occasionally w.is, with rheumatism, intimated 
a resolution of retiring from the army. Greene listened with re- 
luctance to the excuse, and endeavoured to prevail on him to re- 
cede from his determination. Lieutenant colonel Lee, being in 
habits of intimacy with Morgan, was individually deputed to per- 
suade him to obey the univeisal wish. Many common place argu- 
ments were urged in conversation without success. Lee then repre- 
sented, that the brigadier's retirement at that crisis might induce an 
opinion unfavourable to his patriotism, and prejudicial to his future 
fame ; that the resignation of a successful soldier at a critical mo- 
ment was often attriinited, and sometimes justly, to an apprehension, 
that the contest would ultimately be unfortunate to his country, or 
to a conviction that his reputation had been accidentally acquired, 
and could not survive the vicissitudes of war. These observations 
appeared to touch the feelings of Morgan: for a moment he paused ; 
then discovered af.iint inclination to go through the ini|)ending con- 
flict; but finally returned to his original decision. His refusal of the 
proffered command was followed by a request to retire ; which was 
granted. 



140 Memoirs of the War in the 



CHAPTER XXV. 

VyOLONEL Williams, of Maryland, an accomplished gentle- 
man and experienced soldier, being called to the station, so anx- 
iously, but vainly pressed on Morgan, accepted it with cheerful- 
ness, and ditfidence. This last arrangement being finished, Greene 
put his army in motion, leaving Williams on the ground. The 
greater the distance between the main body and the light troops, 
the surer would be Greene's retreat. Williams, therefore, soon 
after breakiuir up from Guilford court-house, on the 10th, inclined 
to the left, for the purpose of throwing himself in front of lord 
Cornwallis. This inovement was judicious and had an immedinte 
effect. His lordship, finding a corps of horse and foot close in 
front, whose strength and object were not immediately ascertaina- 
ble, checked the rapidity of his march to give time for his long 
extendeil line to condense. 

Could Williams have withdrawn himself from between Greene and 
Cornwallis, he iniglif, probably, by occultly reaching the British 
rear, have performed material service. Although his sagacity 
discovered the prospect, yet bis sound judgment could not adopt a 
movement wbi( h might endanger the retreat of an arm^, whose safe- 
tv was ihe object of his duty and indispensable to the common cause. 
He adhered, therefore, to the less dazzling, but more useful, sys- 
tem ; and fastened his attention, first on the safety of the main body, 
next on that of the corps under his command ; risking the latter 
only (and then without hesitation) when the security of Greene's 
retreat demanded it. Pursuing his course obliquely to the left, he 
reached an intermediate road ; the British army being on bis left 
and in his rear, the American in front and on his right.* TWm' was 
exactly the proper posrtion for the light corps, and Williams judi- 
ciously retained it. t 

The enemy persevering in his rapid advance, our rear guard, 
(composed of the legion of Lee) and the British van under brigadier 
0'H:!ra, were in sight durmg the <!ay. Throughout the night, the 
corps of Williams held a lespectable distance, to thwart, as far as 
■was practicable, nocturnal asj-ault. 

The duty, severe in the day. became more so at night ; for nu- 
merous patroles and strong piquets were necessarily furnished by 
the light troops, not oiily for their own safety, but to prevent the 
enemy from placing himself, by a circuitous march, between Wilr 

* The reaHer will take notice, whenever he meets with the term right, or /c/V, 
he is to ask himself in what direction the armies are moving, which will explain 
the import of the term. At present we are moviijg north, and lord Cornwallis 
being on the upper route, was relatively to our left. 

t The route we had marched being deemed safe, as it was known that his 
lon'ship was on a parallel road to our left, the lesser precautions were applied 
to it; nevertheless, the enemy's advance would have been notified in due time 
from th^- horte petiole, or I'roni tlirf iniantry piquet, should he liave avoided or 
intercepted the patrole — not a probable occurrence. 



Southern Department of the United States, 141 

Viama and Greene. Such a manoeuvre would have been fatal to the 
AriKMicun arm)' ; and to render it im[)Os>sib!e, half of the troops 
were alternately appropriated every night to duty : so that each 
man, during the retreat, was entitled to but six hours repose in 
forty-tight. Notwithstanding; tiiis privation, the troo|)S were in fine 
spirits and good healtii ; delighted with their task, and determined 
to prove themselves worthy the distinction with which they had 
been honotired. At the hour of three, their toils were renewed ; for 
Williams alw.iys pressed forward with the utmost despatch in th6 
morning, to gain such a distance in front as would secure breakfast 
to his soldiers, their only meal during this rapid and hazardous re- 
treat. So tatigued was officer and soldier, and so much more ope- 
rative is weariness than hunger, that each man not placed on duty, 
surrendered hims'df to repose as soon as the night position was ta- 
ken. Situated as was Williams, no arrangement could have been 
devised, better calculated to effect the great object of his trust, and 
to secure food once a day to his troops. 

The moment lord Cornwaliis found it necessary to change his 
course and to push for Dix's ferry, he ordered his van to proceed 
slowly ; and separating from it at the head of the main body, which 
had now arrrived at a cross-way leading to the desired route, he 
quickly gained the great road to Dix's ferry, the course of the 
American light corps. 

Feb. In pursuance of his system, Williams made a rapid morn- 
13th. ing's march ; and leaving small patroles of cavalry near the 
enemy, sent forward the staff to select ground and prepare fires. 
The olhcers and dragoons, who had been necessarily kept in sight 
of the British, upon joining, were hastened in front to a farmhouse 
near the road, wheri* they enjoyed, although a few hours later, a 
more comfortable meal. Lieutenant Carrington, who commanded 
the dragoons near the enemy's van, reported from time to time, in 
conformity to custom, by which it appeared, that Cornwaliis was 
moving as usual. The morning was coM and drizzly ; our fires, 
which had been slow in kindling, were now lively ; the meat was 
on the coals, and the corn cake in the ashes. At this moment, a 
friendly countryman appeared, riding in ha^te to our camp, whither 
he had been (hrected by the sergeant of one of the horse patroles, 
with which he fell in on his way The hurry of his approach, and 
the tired condition of his meager poney. evincpd sincerity of heart ; 
while the joy of his countenance declared his participation of in- 
terest. Asking for " the general," he was conducted to colonel 
Williatns, whom he bluntly informed, that lord Cornwalhs, leaving 
his former route, had got into our road ; that one half hour past 
he left the British army advancing, then only four miles behind ; 
that accidentally discovering it from his field, where he was burning 
brushwood, he ran home, took the first horse he could find, and 
hastened to give his friends intelligence, which he deemed impor- 
tant. To attach doubt to the information of an honest looking far- 
mer would have violated all the rules of physiognomy. Williams 
always delighted to indulge and comfort his brave troops ; anrJ 



142 Memoirs of the PFar in the 

although he credited the countryman, was unwilhng to interrupt 
their hasty repast. He therefore ordered lieutenant colonel Lee 
to detach from his cavalry, in order to ascertain the correctness of 
the intelligence. Captain Armstrong, with one section of the horse, 
was despatched accordingly, with the conntryman for his guide. 
Soon after their departure, Carrington, still near the enemy, com- 
municated the unusually slow progress of the van guard. Com- 
bining this intelligence with that just received, Williams ordered 
lieutenant colonel Lee to strengthen Armstrong, and to take upon 
himself the command entrusted to that officer. Lieutenant Lewis, 
with the required addition, attended Lee, who despatched one of 
the dragoons to overtake Armstrong, with orders directing him (o 
move slowlj' until he should join. Quickly reaching Armstrong, 
who had not advanced more than a mile, Lee proceeded, in confor- 
mity with the advice of the countryman, two miles further ; but 
seeing no enemy, he began to believe that his guide, however well 
affected, was certainly in a mistake. He determined, therefore, to 
return to breakfast, and leave Armstrong with three dragoons and 
the guide to proceed on to the ppot, where the countryman's in- 
formation had placed the enemy one hour before. Armstrong se- 
lected the dragoons mounted on the swiftest horses, and was in the 
act of moving, when the amicable countryman protested against 
accompanying him, unless furnished with a better horse. While 
with the wliole detachment, he had thought himself safe, and never 
manifested any unwillingness to proceed ; but now, being associat- 
ed with the most alert of alert dragoons, whose only duty was to 
look and fly, he considered his danger extreme. This remon- 
strance, the jrjstice of which could not be resisted, added another 
reason for crediting (Ik? information. Lee dismounted his bugler, 
whose ilor^e was given to the countryman ; and the bugler was sent 
back to camp to inform Williams how far the lieutenant colonel had 
proceeded without seeing any portion of the enemy, and of his in- 
tention to return after advancing Armstrong still further in front. 
Not doubting that the countryman had seen the British army, but 
supposing liim to be mistaken in the distance, Lee led his detach- 
ment into the woods, and retired slowly, in sight of the road. He 
presumed, that should Armstrong be followed, the enemy would 
discover the trail of advancing horse in the road, and be deterred 
from a keen pur-suit, which he did not wish to encourage, as it might 
deprive the light troops of their meal ; although he was disposed 
rn that event to seize any advantage which might offer. Not many 
mmute.'? elapsed lielore a discharge of musketry announced that 
Armstrong had met the enemy ; and shortly after, the clangor of 
hor3es in swift s|.eed declared the fast approach of cavalry. Arm- 
>:trong soon appeared, closely followed by a troop of Tarleton's 
dragoons. Lee saw his captain and small party well in front, and 
hard in hand. For them he felt no apprehensions ; but for the 
safety of his bugler, on the countryman's poney, every feeling of 
his heart becatne interested. Being passed unperceived by the 
pursued and pursuers, Lee continued in the woods, determined 



Southern Department of the United States. 14S 

to interpose in time to rescue liis buylcr, yet wishing to let the 
enemy take the utmost allowable distance, that they might be de- 
prived oC support. Directing one ol' his heuten:inls to halt with 
the rear tile and ascertain whether additional cavalry was following, 
he hastened his progress, and soon saw the enemy's near approach 
to his defenceless bugler, who was immediately unhorsed, and sa- 
bred several times while prostrate on the ground. Lee was press- 
ing forward to the road in the enemy's rear, when the ofKcer, who 
had been left behind, rejoined with the acceptable information, that 
no reinforcement was approaching. Gaining the road, the lieute- 
nant colonel rushed forward in quick charge, and fell upon the troop 
of Tarieton soon after it had reached his bugler. Captain Miller 
instantly formed, and fronted his approaching adversary ; but his 
worn down ponies were as ill calculated to withstand the stout, high 
eondilioned, active horse, opposed to them, as were the intoxicated, 
inexpert riders unfit to contend with Jragoons always sober, and 
excelling in horsemanship. The enemy was crushed on the first 
charge : most of them were killed or prostrated ; and the residue, 
with their captain, attempted to escape. They were pursued by 
lieutenant Lewis, who was commanded by Lee to give no quarters. 
This sanguinary mandate, so contrary to the American character, 
proceeded fro ii a view of the bugler, — a beardless, unarmed youth, 
who had vainly implored quarler, and in the agonies of death pre- 
sented a spectacle resistless in its appeal for vengeance.* Having 
placed the much wounded hapless boy in the arms of the stoutest 
of his dragoons, and directed another soldier to attend them to camp, 
Ihe lieutenant colonel proceeded in support of Lewis. Soon this 
officer was met, returning with captain Miller, and ali, save two, of 
the fugitives. The British captain was unhurt ; but his dragoons 
were severely cut in the face, neck, and shoulders. Lewis was 
reprimanded on the spot for disobedience of orders ; and Miller, 
being peremptorily charged with the atrocity perpctr.tted in his 
view, was told to [)repare for death. The captain, with some show 
of reason, asserted, that intelligence being his object, it was his vfish 
and interest to save the soldier ; that he had tried to do so ; but his 
dragoon^ being intoxicated, ail his eflbrts were incfl'ectual. He ad- 
ded, that in the terrible slaughter under lieuienant colonel Buford, 
his humanity was experienced, and had been acknowledged by some 
of the Americans who escaped death on that bloody day. Le^,- vras 
somewhat mollified by this rational apology, and was disposed to 
substitute one of the pri.soners ; but soon overtaking the speech- 
less dying youth, whose relation to his supporting comrade of the 
tragical particulars of his fate, when able to sjjeak, oontirmed his 
former impressions, he returned with nnrelenling sternness to 
his first decision. Descending a long hiiJ, he repeated his de- 

* This ill-fated boy was one of the band of music, ami exclusively devoted 
in the field to his bugle, used in conveying orders. Too small lo wield a. sword, 
he was armed only with one pistol, as was the custom in the legion ; tiiiil sort 
of weapon being considered of little, import in action : now he had not even his 
pistol, it being with the countryman njounted ou his hoi>c. 



144f Memoirs of the War in the 

termination to sacrifice Miller in the vale through which they were 
about to pass ; and tiandinjj- him a pencil, desired him to note on 
paper wiiatever he misht wish to mike known to his fiiends, with 
an assurance that it should he transmitted to the British general. 
At this moment, the rear guard communicated, by pistol discharge, 
the approach of the British van. Miller and his fellow prisoners 
were hurried on to colonel Wijljams, who was at the same time in- 
formed of the enemy's advance. VVilliams put his corps in motion, 
and forwarded the captured officers and soldiers to headquarters ; 
ignorant of the murder of the bugler, and the determination of 
lieutenant colonel Lee. Thus Miller escaped the fate to which he 
had been tioome 1, in order to convince tlie British cavalry under 
lieutenant colonel Tarleton, that American blood should no longer 
be wantonly shed with impunity. Belii^ving himself indebted for 
his life to the accident just recited, captain Miller took care to re- 
present, by letter, to his n-iends in the British army what had hap- 
pened, and his conviction of what would have followed ; and never 
afterwards were such cruelties repealed by the British cavalry 
acting against the army of Greene. 

The dead, eighteen in number, being left on the road where they 
fell, were buried by order of lord Cornwaliis as he passed. On 
the part of the American officer no life was lost, except that of the 
beardless bugler, who died soon after the advance of the enemy 
was announced. His corpse was necessarily deposited in the woods 
adjoining the road, with the hope that some humane citizen might 
find it. 

The pursuit was continued with unceasing activity. Williams, 
retiring in compact order, with the legion of Lee in his rear, held 
himself ready to strike, whenever an opportunity presented. The 
skilful enemy never permitted any risk in detail, but preserved his 
whole force for one decisive struggle. 



Cfl AFTER XXVI. 

iXAVI^ G continued on the route to Dix's ferry as far as he deemed 
advisable, and presuming th:U general Greene would on tlie next 
day reach the vicinity of the Dan, colonel \Vi!]i;ims determined to 
pass to the road on his right, le;iding to Irwin's 'erry, the route of 
the main body. He communicated this intention to the rear officer ; 
and moved forward with increased celerity, for the purpose of gain- 
ing a distant night position, that he might be able to diminish the 
guards necessary for the security oi' ins corps when close to the 
enterprising enemy. 

Lieutenant colonel Lee, having discovered, from conversation 
with his guides, that a by-way in front would lead him into Wil- 
liam's rear before the close of the evening, and save a considerable 
distance, determined to avail himself of the accommodation. A 



Southern Department of the United States. 146 

subaltern's comtnarid of dragoons was left to proceed on the route 
taken by colonel Williams, with orders to communicate any extra- 
ordinary occurence to the commandant and to lieutenant colonel 
Lee. 1 he cavalry, who met Miller in the morning, had lost their 
breakfast ; and Lee's ciiief oltject in taking the short course was to 
avail himself of an abundant farm for the retreshment of this party. 
^\s soon as he reached the proposed route, the infantry were has- 
tened forward, wuh directions to halt at the farm, and prepare for 
the- accommodation of the corps ; while the cavalry continued 
close to the enemy. In due time atterwards, they were drawn ofT 
and passed through the wood:*, leaving in front of the British van 
the detachment which had been selected to follow the route of the 
light troops. The obscurity of the narrow road taken by Lee, 
lulled every suspicion with respect to the enemy ; and a few videts 
only were placed at intermediate points, rather to give notice when 
the British should pass along, than to guard the legion from surprise. 
This precaution was most fortunate ; for so it happened, that lord 
Cornwallis, having ascertained that Greene had directed his course 
to Irwin's ferry, determined to avail himself of the nearest route to 
gain the road of his enemy, and took the path which Lee had se- 
lected. Our horses were unbridled, with abundance of provender 
before them ; the hospitable farmer had liberally bestowed his 
meal and bacon, and had given the aid of his domestics in hastening 
the much wished repast. To the surprist and grief of all, the pleasant 
prospect was instantly marred by the fire of the advanced vidcls, — ■ 
certain signal of the enemy's approach. Before the farm was a 
creek, which, in consequence of the late incessant rains, could be 
passed only by a bridge, not more distant from the enemy than 
from our party. The cavalry being speedily arrayed, moved to 
support the videts ; while the infantry were ordered, in full run, 
to seize and hold the bridge. 

The enemy was equally surprised with ourselves at this unex- 
pected meeting; and the light party in front halted, to report and 
be directed. This pause was sufficient. The bridge was gained, 
and soon passed by the corps of Lee. The British followed. The 
road over the bridge leading through cultivated fields for a mile, the 
British army was in full view of the troops of Lee as the latter as- 
cended the eminence on whose summit they entered the great road 
to Irwin's ferry. 

Thus escaped a corps, which had been hitherto guarded with 
unvarying vigilance ; whose loss would have been severely felt by 
the American general ; and which had been just exposed to imminent 
peril from the presumption of certain security. Criminal improvi- 
dence ! A soldier is always in danger, when his conviction of secur- 
ity leads him to dispense with the most vigilant precautions. 

Cornwallis, at length in Greene's rear, urged his march with re- 
doubled zeal, confident of overtaking his adversary before he could 
reach the Dan. Adverse efibrts to accelerate and to retard were 
unceasingly exhibited during the evening ; the enemy's van being 
flometimes so close as to indicate a determination td force the light 
19 



146 Memoirs of the War in the 

troops to prepare for defence. Avoiding a measure replete with 
peril, Willpims persevered in his desuhor}' retreat. More than 
once were ihe legion of Lee and the van of O'Hara within muiket 
sl)ot ; which presented so acceptable an invitation to the marksmen 
flanking the h^gion, that they were restrained with ditiicnUy from 
delivering their tire. This disposition being eileclually checked, 
the demeanor of the hostile troops became so pacitic in appearance, 
that a spectator would have been led to consider them members ot 
the same army. Only whpn a defile or a water course crossed our 
route did the enemy exhibit any indication to cut oft' our rear : 
in which essays, being always disappointed, their useless efforts 
were gradually discontinued. 

The fall of night excited pleasure, as it promised respite from 
toil. But illusory was the expectation ! for the British general 
was so eager to fall on Greene, whom he believed within his 
grasp, that the pursuit was not intermitted. The night was dark, 
the roads deep, the weather cohl, and the air humid. Williams 
throwing his horse in iVont, and the infantry of the legion in the 
rear, continued his retreat. 

About eight in tlie evening, numerous fires discovered an encamp- 
ment before us. No pen can describe the heart- rending feelings 
of our brave and wearied troops. Not a doubt was entertained, 
that the descried cainp was Greene's ; and our dauntless corpa 
were convinced, that the crisis had now arrived when its self sacri- 
fice could alone give a chance of escape to the main body. With 
one voice was announced ihe noble resolution to turn on the toe, 
and, by dint of desperate courage, so to cripple him as to force u 
discontinuance of pursuit. This heroic spirit, tirst breathed in 
whispers, soon gained the ear of Williams ; who, alike daring and 
alike willing to oiler up his life for the safety of an army on which 
the hopes of tlie South rested, would have been foremost in the 
bold coiirtict. But his first impressions soon yielded to conclusions 
drawn from a reference to the date of general Greene's last letter, 
which demonstrated the mistaken apprehension of the troops. Enjoy- 
ing the delight ins|iired by their manly ardour, and commending their 
devotion to iheir country, becalmed their disquietude. They shortly 
reached the camp of tires, and discovered that it was the ground where 
Greene had halted on the evening of the I lib. Relieved fiom the dire 
foreboding, the light corps continued its march until the rear ofhcor 
made known to the conunandant that the enemy had halted. The 
first convenient spot was occupied for the night ; the fires were in- 
stantly kindled : the cold and wet, the cares and toils of the day, 
were soon forgotten in the enjoyment of repose. 

About midnight our troops were put in motion, in consequence 
of the enemy's advance on our i)iquets, which the British general 
had betn induced to order from knowing that he was within forty 
miles of the Dan, and that all his hope depended on (he exertions 
of the following day. Animated with the prospect of soon termi- 
nating their present labours, the light trooj)s resumed their march 
with alacrity. The roads continued deep and broken, and were 
rendered worse by being incrustcd with frost : nevertheless, the 



Southern Department of the United States. 147 

march was pushed with great expedition. In the forenoon, one hour 
was apphed by both comm.inders to the refreshment ot their troops. 

About noon colonel \Villiarn8 received a letter from general 
Feb. Greene, communicating the delightful lidmgs of his passage 
13tli. over the Dan on the preceding day. The whole corps he- 
came renovated in strength and agility ; so powerful is the influence 
of the mind over the body. The great object of their long and faithful 
labour being so nearly accomplished, a general emulation pervaded 
all ranks to hasten to tlie boundary of their cares and perils. 'I'lie 
hopes of the enemy were still high, and he rivalled our increased 
celerity ; the van of OTIara following close on the rear of Lee. 
About three in the evening we arrived within fourteen miles of the 
river ; and colonel Williams, leaving the legion of Lee to wait on 
the enemy, took the nearest course to Boyd's ferry. Before sun- 
set he gained the river, and was soon transported to the opposite 
shore. 

Lee, at the assigned period, directed his infantry to follow on 
the route of Williams ; and about dark withdrew with his cavalry, 
the enemy being still in motion. Between the hours of eight and 
nine, the cavalry reached the river, just as the boats had returned 
from landing the legion infantry. In obedience to the disposition of 
lieutenant colonel Carrington, quarter master general, who superin- 
tended, in person, his arrangements for the transportation of the 
army, the horses were turned into the stream, while tlie dragoons, 
with their arms and equipments, embarked in the boats. Unluckily, 
some of the horses turned back, and gaining the shore, fled into the 
woods ; and for a time some apprehensions were entertained that 
they might be lost. They were, however, recovered ; and being 
forced into the river, followed their fellows. In the last boat, the 
quarter master general, attended by lieutenant colonel Lee and the 
rear troop, reached the friendly shore. 

In the evening lord Cornwallis had received the unwelcome news 
of Gjeene's safe passage over the Dan ; and now relinquishing his 
expectation of annihihitinga second army, and despairing of striking 
the light corps, so long in his view and always sal"e, he gave repose 
to his vainly wearied troops. 

Thus ended, on the night of the 1 4th of February, this long, ar- 
duous, and eventful retreat. 

No operation during the war more altracted the public attention 
than this did : not only the toils and dangers encountered by a 
brave gener.il and his brave army interested the sympathy of the 
nation, but the safety of the South, hanging on its issue, excited uni- 
versal concern. The danger of this contingency alarmed the hearts 
of all, especially the more reflecting, who deemed the integrity of 
the Union essential to American liberty and happiness, and indispen- 
sable to our future safety and strength. 

Destroy the army of Greene, and the Carolinas with Georgia ine- 
vitably became members of the British empire. Virginia, the bul- 
wark of the South, would be converted tirst into a frontier, then in- 
to the theatre of war. Already drained nearly to the bottom, she 



148 Memoirs of the War in the 

would be committed in a contest for life with reduced means and 
broken spirits. All the country south of James river, so conve- 
nient to predatory incursions from the southern states, would soon 
be ground to dust and ashes. Such misery without hope, could not 
be long endured ; and re-annexation to the mother country, present- 
ing (he only cure within reach, it would be solicited and obtained. 
That part of the state north ot James river, and west of the Blue 
ridge, might continue united ; and so fjir as its ability permitted, 
would be found a daring and destructive foe. But in this desperate 
condition of affairs, with the enemy's uncontrolled maritime supe- 
riority, and the facile admission into the bosom of the country, pre- 
gented by its fine rivers, its resistance could not be of long duration. 
The stoutest heart trembled lest the Potomac should become the 
boundary of British dominion on the east of the Blue ridge. 

Happily for these states, a soldier of consummate talents guided 
the destiny of the iSonth. 

Cordially supported and truly beloved by the august personage 
at the head of the American armies, the bosom of Greece, gratefully 
reciprocating feelings so honourable to'his character, never was as- 
sailed by those degraded passions, envy and malevolence — which 
too often disturb the harmony of associate leaders, jand generate deep 
disasters to the common cause. 

The glory of Washington, next to the safety of his country, was 
the prime object of his wishes. Pure and tranquil from the con- 
sciousness of just intentions, the undisturbed energy of his mind was 
wholly devoted to the effectual accomplishment of the high trust re- 
posed in him. 

The difficulty of retreat from South Carolina with an inferior ar- 
my, and that army acting necessarily in two divisions at a great dis- 
tance from each other — the state of North Carolina, stored with 
faithful abettors of the roynl cause, who waited with solicitude for 
a fit opportunity to demonstrate their unshaken loyalty — presented 
in themselves impediments great and difficult. When we add the 
comfortless condition of our troops in poiiit of clothing,* the rigour 
of the season, the inclemency of the weather, our short stock of am- 
munition, and shorter stock of provisions — and contrast it with (he 
comfortable raiment and ample equipment of the enemy, inured to 
service, habituated to daring enterprises, (he very troops which had 
taken Lincoln and destroyed Gates, rendered capable of the most 
rapid movements by their voluntary sacrifice of baggage, provisions 

* The shoes were generally worn out, the body clothes much lattered, and 
not more than a blanket for four men. The light corps was rather better off; 
but among its officers there was not a blanket for every three : so that among 
those whose hour admitted rest, it was an established rule, that at every fire, 
one should, in routine, keep upon his legs to preserve the fire in vigour. The 
tents were never used by the corps under Williams during the retreat. The heat 
of the fires was the only protection from rain, and sometimes snow : it kept the 
Circumjacent groun'l and air dry, while imparting warmth to the body. 

Provi.-ions were not to be fiund in abundance, so swift was our progress. The 
single moal allowed us was always scanty, tbotgb good in quality and very nu- 
tritious, beinar bacon and corn meal. 



Southern Department of the United States. 1 49 

and liquor, and conducted by a general always to be dreaded — we 
have, abundant cause lo honour the soldier whose mental resourcea 
smoothed every difficulty, and ultimately made good a retreat of two 
hundred and thirty miles, (unaided, except occasionally by small 
corps of friendly militia) without the loss of either troops or stores. 
Nor can we hesitate in acknowledging, that the scene just closed, 
presented satisfactory displays of that masterly genius, which, in the 
sequel, unfolded itself with such utility and splendour. 

The British army have also a clear title to praise. More com- 
fortably clad, the soldier was better able to bear the extremesof the 
season : in every other respect he equalled his enemy — bearing in» 
cessant toil, courting danger, and submitting lo privation of neces- 
sary food with alacrity ; exhibiting, upon all occasions, unquestionu* 
ble evidence of fidelity, zed and courage, in seconding the hardy 
enterprise of his admired leader. 

General Greene, reviewing his army, at length safely enjoying 
wholesome and abundant su|'plies of food in the rich and friendly 
county of tlalifax, bestowed upon all his commendation ; distinguish- 
ing, by his marked approbation, colonel Williams, and lieutenant 
colonel Cariington, quartermaster general. The first, for his com- 
plete execution of the very diflicult task assigned hioi — exposed 
with his very inferior force to the daily and nightly assault ol a saga- 
cious and intrepid foe, he was never foiled himself, and seized the 
only opportunity presented of impressing the enemy with due re- 
spect for the corps under his orders ; — the last, for his multifarious 
services during the retreat. Lieutenant colonel Carrington had 
been detached with that portion of the Virginia regiment of artillery, 
retained with the main army, when some of its companies had at- 
tended the Virginia line lo the South, and had been taken with it at 
the surrender of Charleston : which loss was now supplied by some 
companies formerly attached to the Maryland line. On reaching 
North Carolina with de Kalb, colonel Harrison, commandant of the 
V^irginia artillery, unexpectedly arrived, and assumed command. In 
consequence of a misunderstanding with his colonel, Carrington re- 
tired, and was despatched, upon Gates's arrival, to superintend the 
examination of the Roanoke river, to ascertain the readiest points 
of communication across it — not only for the purpose of expeditioo 
and celerity to his supplies coming from Virginia, but also with the 
view of insuring a safe retreat from North Carolina, should such a 
measure, then probable, become necessary. In this se'vice Car- 
rington was found by Greene, who pressed upon him the untried 
station ofchief of the quarter master's department, and despatched 
him to hasten the execution of the various arrangements which he 
had formed as he passed through Richmond. Among those which, 
under this order, claimed the lieutenant colonel's attention, was the 
examination of the Dan, (the southern branch of the Roanoke) for 
the same purposes for which he had, by order of general Gates, 
explored the last mentioned river ; and with the t'urlher object of 
discovering ivhether the water of the Dan would admit an inland 
navigation to be connected by a portage with the Yadkin; which mode 



1 5Q Memoir^ of the Wai in the 

of intercourse, in case of protiacterl war in the Carolinas, would be 
attended by the most benelicial consequences. Captain Smith, of 
the Maryland line, was appointed to this service by lieutenant colo- 
nel Carrington, and performed the duty with much intelligence. 

So engaged was Carrington in accom{)lishing the orders of the 
general, that he only joined the army two days before its concen- 
tration at Guilford court-house, where he assumed the direction of 
the trust assigned to him. VVe have before mentioned the judicious 
plan which he submitted to Greene for the passage of the river 
Dan, founded on the report made by captain Smith of his examina- 
tion.* 

In this most difficult crisis Carrington commenced his official du- 
ties : his subordinate officers habituated to expedients and strangers 
to system, his implements of every sort in a wretched condition, and 
without a single dollar in the military chest. Nevertheless, he con- 
trived, by his method, his zeal, and his indefatigable industry, to give 
promptitude to our movement-i, as well as accuracy and punctuality 
to the supplies of subsistence, and to collect in due time all the 
boats upon the Dan, above Boyd's ferry, at the two points designated 
for the passage of that river. 



CHAPTER XXVH. 



V/ORNWALLIS, baffled in every expectation, much as he de- 
served success, (for certainly no man could have done mpre than 
he did) now turned his attention to produce solid advantage out of 
the eclat he had acquired in forcing Greene to abandon the state. 
Selecting Hillsborough as headquarters, one of the principal towns 
of North ("arolina,! he, after one day's repose of his army, pro- 
ceeded thither by easy marches. Here he erected the king's stan- 
dard, and invited, by his proclamation, judiciously prepared and 
opportunely promulgated, all liege subjects to prove their fidelity 
by contributing their aid in restormg the blessing? of peace and 
order to their convulsed country. He reiterated his orders pro- 

* As soon as Greene adopted the plnn prepared by the quarter master general 
for crossing the Dan, Carrington detached the same captain Smith, of the Mary- 
land line, heretofore -employed by him in the examination of the Roanoke river. 
The service was performed liighly to the satisfaction of the general, and much to 
captain Smith's creflit. 

+ Newbern and Hillsborough were the alternate seats of royal government in 
North Carolina ; as were Burlington and Perth Amboy in the province of New 
Jersey. To the west of Newbern lies Wilmington, on the Cape Fear river, 
convenierit to the Scotch emigrants' settlement on the waters of that river, 
whose inhabitants had for some years past in the character of regulators, re- 
sisted the royal authority, but were now firm abettors of kingly government. 
It is one of the few towns convenient to sliip navigation: consequently, neces- 
sarily ocriipied by the British general. Here all his supplies of every sort were 
brought from New York and Charleston, and deposited till further orders, in 
care of tke garrison. 



Southern Department of the United States, 151 

hibiting the disorderly of his army from indulging their licentious 
passions, commanding the protection of the persons and property of 
the inhabitants, with threats of severe and prompt punishment upoD 
all and every otTender. 

In the camp of Greene, joy beamed in every face ; and, as if 
every man was conscious of having done his duty, the subsequent 
days to the reunion of the army on the north of the Dan, were 
spent in mutual gratulations ; with the rehearsal of the hopes and 
fears which agitated every breast during the retreat ; interspersed 
with the many simple but interesting anecdotes with which every 
tongue was strung. 

Meanwhile, the indefatigable Greene gave his mind and time to 
the hastening of his long pressed, and much wanted reinforcements : 
devising within himself, in the same moment, plans to augment his 
force through his personal weight, and the influence of those ready 
to co-operate with him. Brigadier Stevens, whom we have seen 
overwhelmed with distress and mortitication, in consequence of the 
shameful conduct o{ his brigade at the battle of Camden, as soon 
as he had conducted his militia to Pittsylvania court-house, for the 
purpose of laying up their arm?, returned to the army, in the ex- 
pectation of such accession of force as would enable the general to 
replace him in the line of service. He had shared with the army 
in all the toils and perils of the retreat until he was ordered to Pitt- 
sylvania court- house ; and he was now anxious to participate with 
it in the honours and d;ingers of advance. 

The people of Halifiix county received us with the affection of 
brethren, mingled with admiration of the brave devotion to coun- 
try, just exhibited. Volunteers began to tender their services, of 
which laudable enthusiasm Greene availed himself; and naming 
Stevens* as their leader, referred them to him for organization. 
Encouraging the spread of this honourable spirit, which Stevens 
took care to cherish with incessant diligence, very soon the founda- 
tion of a partial force was laid, which, gradually increasing, consti- 
tuted that brigade, which covered itself and general with glory in 
the sequel. 

Grateful as was this display of zeal in the people of Halifax, and 
anxious as was the general to give to the eflforts of Stevens full 
effect, he could not long enjoy the agreeable scene, nor indulge his 
faithful army in its novel state of ease and abundance. On North 
Carolina his mind vvas tixed. Its subjugation was inadmissible ;and 
ill-brooking his forced abandonment of it, he was restless in safety ; 

*This officer, as has been mentioned, had proceeded with his militia to Pitt- 
sylvania court-house to discharge his men, whose time of service had expired, 
and for the purpose of placing the public arms in the magazines allotted for 
their reception. He was well apprised of Greene's difficulties; and hearing, 
oo his way home, by some reports that had overtaken him, that these difficul- 
ties Were increased, and that it was very likely that his army might be crippled 
before he cros-ed the Dan ; Stevens, instead of going home, returned to camp, 
taking with him some of tlie militia of Pittsylvania, collected by the exertions 
of the county lietjtenant, determined to share the fate of Greene and of hfB 
areiy. 



152 Memoirs of the War in the 

because that safety, in his estimation, whs inglorioiM and injuriods. 
Urging the governor of Virginia to press forward the long expected 
aid, patroDising the exertions of Stevens to bring to hitn succour, 
derived from community of feelicigs and of interest, he now turned 
himself to the recovery of North Carohna ; determined to contend 
upon its own soil for its independence. 

Well acquainted with the high character of his able adversary, 
he knew that every hour of submission, growing out of our ac- 
knowledged inferiority of force, proved by long evasion of-battle, 
would be turned by him to solid advantage in support of the royal 
cause. Also knowing the divided condition of the inhabitants of 
the state, he dreaded the eifects of victory, when used by a saga- 
cious soldier, and applied to a people almost equally balanced in 
their political feelings. Under the influence of such calculations, 
on the 17th he issued preparatory orders for movement. 

The American general was not mistaken in his deductions. Avail- 
ing himself of Greene's abandonment of North Carolina, of his 
undisturbed occupation of Hillsborough, and of his quiet possession 
of Wilmington upon the Cape Fear river by a detachment from 
Charleston under the orders of major Craig, lord Cornwallis began 
to realize the expectations he had so long and so sanguinely indulg- 
ed. The royalists every where were preparing to rise, while the 
well affected to the cause of America, despairing of protection, began 
to look for safety in submission. 

Greene persevering in his determination to risk his army again 
in North Carolina — to rouse the drooping spirits of his friends, and 
to check the audacity of his foes — the legion of Lee, strengthened 
by two companies of the veterans of Maryland under captain Old- 
ham, with the corps of South Carolina militia under brigadier Sick- 
ens, was ordered, in the morning of the 18th, to repass the Dan. 
This was readily performed ; all the boats heretofore collected be- 
ing still held together by Carrington for the use of the army. 

Pickens and I^ee were commanded to gain the tront of Cornwal- 
lis, to place themselves as close to him as safety would permit, in 
order to interrupt his communication with the country, to repress 
the meditated rising of the loyalists, and, at all events, to intercept 
any parly of them which might attempt to join the enemy. 

These officers lost no time in advancing to the theatre of opera- 
tions ; and having in the course of the march provided capable 
guides, sat down that evening in a covert position, short of the great 
road leading from the Haw river to Hillsborough, and detached ex- 
ploring parties of cavalry on the roads towards Hillsborough and 
towards the flaw. In the course of the evening, Greene, never 
avoiding toil or danger, with a small escort of Washington's cavalry, 
left his army, and overtook the advanced corps in its secret posi- 
tion. He continued with it during (he night, and renewed to the 
two commandants explanations of his plan and object. He com- 
municated his intention of repassing the Dan with the army in a 
few days, directing his route towards the upper country ; too re- 
mote, as he remarked, from the advanced corps to afford the smal^ 



Southern Department of the United States. 163 

lest protection ; urged cordial concert, pressed in fervid terrfts the 
necessity of unceasiug vigilance, and the most cautious circumspec- 
tion. Before dawn the oflirer, who had been despatched towards 
the Haw, returned with intelligence, that on the preceding day lieu- 
tenant colonel Tarleton had passed up that route from Hillsborough 
with horse, foot, and artillery ; their number unascertained ; des- 
tined, as was presumed, to pass the Haw river, with the view of 
hastening the embodying ot the loyalists, and of protecting them on 
their march to Hillsborough. The wisdom of the measure, adopt- 
ed by Greene, was now shown, as already an important object pre- 
sented itself to the detached corps. Greene having set out on his 
return to camp, Pickens and Lee advanceil ; first sending recon- 
noitring parties in their front, with orders to conceal themselves in 
sight of the road to watch passing occurrences, and to report from 
time to time the result of their observations. The main body 
moving obliquely to their right through an unsettled region, they 
encamped within three miles of the great road, with the Haw on 
their right, about seven miles distant. Here they were joined by 
the light parlies sent out iu the morning, and by the officer who 
had the day before been detacl)ed towards Hillsborough. The first 
reported that every thing was still on the road, and that they had 
not seen a single person, except a well grown boy, during the day, 
whom they had brought along with them agreeable to orders. 
From this lad we discovered that Tarleton had not passed the river 
yesterday, but would do it on the next morning. 

The officer who had approached Hillsborough found all quiet in 
that quarter, and neither saw nor heard any thing indicating a move- 
ment on the part of the enemy. Resting for the night, the corpa 
proceeded after breakfast the next day, waiting until then to give 
time for the exploring parlies to renew their efforts in obtaiumg 
more precise intelligence. 

Approaching the road, it was met by a dragoon bringing informa- 
tion that the British detachment had passed the Haw. This being 
ascertained, Pickens and Lee gained the great road, and followed on 
the enemy's route. Guides became unnecessary now ; for the British 
detachment had plundered all the houses on the road, known, as 
they were, to be the property of patriots, and symbols of devas- 
tation marked their steps. The men having all fled, none but wo- 
men could be seen. From them the American commandants learned, 
that the loyalists between the Haw and deep rivets were certainly 
embodying, and that the British detachment would not advance tar 
on the other side of the river, it being commonly said among the 
soldiers, that they should return in a few days. By what could be 
gathered from report, and judging by the time of passing any one 
house, it appeared that most of the cavalry, two light brass pieces, 
aad four tiundred infantry composed the detachment. Sending again 
a small party of dragoons down the road, to discover whether any 
second body of troops were moving from Hillsborough, Pickens and 
Lee continued on to the Haw, which they passed vvithout delays 
hearing that lieutenant colooel Tarleton was encamped four miles 
?0 



154 Memoirs of the War m the 

in front. At this moment the officer gent down the road, rejoined, 
communicating that there was no prospect of interruption frooi 
that quarter. 

Soon after we had crossed the river, which was fordable, a coun- 
tryman was discovered by the cavalry in front ; and being overtaken, 
was sent to the commandants. From him it was ascertained, that 
lieutenant colonel Tarleton, as had been reported, commanded the 
party, and that he was encamped within three miles of us about 
noon; that his horses were unsaddled, and that appearances indi- 
cated his confidence of security. With respect to his strength, the 
countryman's information rated it the same as it was before under- 
stood to be. This being correct, Tarleton had the advantage in 
number of cavalry, but was inferior in quality : he had two light 
pieces, the Americans none : he was numerically inferior in infan- 
try ; but his troops were all tried regulars, while half of our infan- 
try were militia, though of the best sort. A disposition for attack 
was immediately made. The infantry of the legion led by lieu- 
tenant colonel Lee, forming the centre, moved directly towards the 
enemy, with the cavalry in column under major Rudolph, upon its 
right ; and the militia riileraen, conducted by brigadier Pickens, on 
its left. Oldham, with the two Maryland companies, composed the 
reserve. Presuming a surprise probable, the march was concealed 
by keeping through woods, having faithful guides with each division, 
In this event maJDr Rudolph had orders to charge in full gallop, 
supported by Oldham with the reserve ; while the legion infantry, 
covered on its left by the riflemen, in whatever state the enemy 
might be found, was destined to carry the tield pieces with fixed 
bayonets. Should he be apprised of our advance, and consequently 
prepared for our reception, Oldham, with his Mnrylanders, was 
ordered to take the place of the cavalry on the right of the legion 
infantry, and Rudolph, with the dragoons, to stand in reserve. 

Thus arrayed, the divisions |,<rocecded to their designated points, 
cyery precaution having been adopted to prevent discovery. The 
movement was conducted with the utmost precision and correspon- 
dency. When arriving within a few hundred yards of the expected 
theatre of glory, the farm and house were seen, but no enemy. 
The van of the horse galloping to the house, brought off two of the 
enemy^s stafl, who had been delayed in settling for the subsistence 
of the detachment ; and hearing from the family, that lieutenant 
colonel Tarleton would not advance above six miles further, Pick- 
ens and Lee instantly proceeded towards him, hoping that fortune 
\voald be more propitious upon the nest occasion. 

Thus did the bright prospects of the morning vanish, exciting of 
itself deep chagrin ; rendered more galling, by finding that Tarle- 
ton, believing himself perfectly secure, had been unusually remiss, 
and would have been caught in a condition out of which neither skill 
nor courage could have extricated him. 

To give success, if possible, to this second attempt, it was de- 
termined to pass as a reinforcement sent from Hillsborough to lieute- 
naot colonel TarletoD,- and the two prisoners being placed in the cen- 



Southern Department of the United States. 155 

tre of the cavalry, were charged lo conduct themselves so ns to give 
currency to the deception : in default of which, the serjennt hav- 
ing the care of them, was directed to put them to death instantly. 
The legion tiiking the lead, with the horse in front, lieutenant col- 
onel Lee put himself at its head, to direct operations both delicate 
and important. This stratagem could not fail of imposing on the 
country people, however well acquainted the}' might be with the 
appearance of British troops, so far as respected ihe legion, inas- 
much as both cavalry and infantry were dressed in short green coals, 
with other distinctions exactly resembling some of the enemy's light 
corps. 

Lee's van ofncer preceding him a (ew hundred yards only, was met 
by two well mounted young countrymen, who being accosted in the 
assumed character, promptly answered, that they were rejoiced in 
meeting us, having been sent forward by colonel P3le for the pur- 
pose of ascertaining Tarleton's camp, to whom the colonel was re- 
pairing with four hundred loyalists. These youths were instantly 
sent to Lieutenant colonel Lee, preceded by a dragoon, with the 
information imparted. Immediately after the arrival of the dragoon, 
Lee despatched his adjutant with the intelligence to brigadier Pick- 
ens, requesting him to place his riflemen (easily to be distinguished 
by the green twigs in their hats, the customary emblem of our mi- 
litia in the south) on the left flank, out of sight ; which was readily 
to be done, as we were then in a thick wood ; at the same time to 
assure him that Lee ivas determined m conformity with the concerted 
plan, to make an attempt with the legion, of turning the occurrence 
to advantage. The prisoners were also reminded as was the ser- 
geant having them in care, of the past order. This communication 
was scarcely finished, before the two dragoons rode up with the 
two countrymen, who were received with much apparent cordiality 
by lieutenant colonel Lee, who listened with seeming satisfaction to 
their annunciation of the laudable spirit which had actuated colonel 
Pyle and his associates, and which they asserted was rapidly spread- 
ing through the country. Finding them completely deceived,(for they 
not only believed the troops they saw to be Britii^h, but overlooking 
what had been told them, took them to be Tarleton's, addressing 
the commandant as that officer ;) Lee sent one of them back with 
the two dragoons to his van, thence to proceed to colonel Pyle with 
lieutenant colonel Tarleton's gratulations, and his request that he 
would be so good as to draw out on the margin of the road, so as to 
give convenient room for his much fatigued troops to pass without 
delay to their night position, while the other was detained lo accom- 
pany the supposed Tarletoa. Orders were at the same time des- 
patched to the van ofKcer to halt as soon as he got in sight of the 
loyalists. 

As Lee approached his officer, who had halted, highly gratified 
with the propitious prospect, and listening to the overflowings of 
respect and devotion, falling incessantly from the lips of bis young 
attendant, his comrade, who had been sent to colonel Pyle, re- 
turned with bis expected compliance, announced in most respectful 
terms. 



lt>6 Memoirs of the War in the 

The column of horse now became complete by union with the 
van, and colonel Pyle was in sight on the right of the road, drawn 
up as suggested, with his left to the advancing column.* This last 
circumstance was fortunate, as lieutenant colonel Lee had concluded 
to make known to the colonel his real character as soon as he should 
confront him, with a solemn assurance of his and his associates' 
perfect exemption from injury, and with the choice of returning to 
their homes, or of taking a more generous part, by uniting with 
the defenders ot their common country against the common foe. 
By Pyle's lucky occupation of the right side of the road, it became 
necessary for Lee to pass along the whole line of the loyalists be- 
fore he could reach Iheir colonel ; and thus to place his column of 
horse in the most eligible situation for any vicissitude. 

They were mounted like our militia, titled like them to move on 
horseback, and to fight dismounted. Their guns (rifles and fowling 
pieces) were on their shoulders, the muzzles consequently in an 
opposite direction to the cavalry. In the event of discovery, they 
must have changed the direction before they could fire, — a motion 
not to be performed, with a body of dragoons close in with their 
horses' heads and their swords drawn. 

The danger of this rare expedient was by no means so great as it 
appears to be on first view. 

Lee passed along the line at the head of the column with a smiling 
counlenance, dropfting. occasionally, expressions complimentary to 
the good looks and commendable conduct of his loyal friends. At 
length he reached colonel Pyle, when the customary civilities were 
promptly interchanged Grasping Pyle by the hand Lee was in 
the act of consummating his plan, when the enemy's left, discover- 
ing Pickens's militia, not sufficiently concealed, began to fire upon 
the rear of the cavalry commanded by captain Eggleston. This 
officer instantly turned upon the foe, as did immediately after the 
whole column. The contlict was quickly decided, and bloody on 
one side only. Ninety of the royalists were killed, and most of the 
survivors wounded. Dispersing in every direction, not being pur- 
sued, they escaped. During this sudden rencontre, in some parts 
of the line the cr}' of mercy was heard, coupled with assurance of 
being our best friends ; but no expostulation could be admitted in a 
conjuncture so critical. Humanity even borbad it, as its first injunc- 
tion is to take care of your own safety : and our safeiy was not com- 
patible with that of the supplicants, until disabled to offend. Pyle, 
falling under many wounds, was left on the field as dying, and yet 
he survived. We lost not a man, and only one horse. The object 
so sedulously pressed was thus a second time baffled. Tarlelon, 
within a mile, more fatally secure, if possible, than before, escaped 

*■ Had Pyle accuientally arrayed upon the left of the road, he would have 
■boeti f'>un(l on thr right of his regiment, the flank first leached by the rolumn 
of the horse. Some pretext must have been adopted to have moved on to the 
other flank, so as to plare the horse in the requisite posture, before lieutenant 
colonel Lee rould make the desired communication; therefore it was fortunate 
that he should have chosen the side of the road on which he was found posted. 



Southern Department of the United States. 157 

the impending blow ; when to get at him a measure had been ha- 
zarded, not warranted on ordinary occasions, but now enforced by 
the double motive of sparing the Jives of deluded fellow citizens, 
and humbling effectually the British partisan and his active corps, 
whose destruction in the relative condition of the two armies would 
have probably led to the termination of the war in the South. 
Lord Cornwallis was at the head of a brave enterprising force, but 
small in number ; too small, when reduced by the loss of Tarle- 
ton's corps, to have made head against Greene, when assisted, as the 
American general must have been, by the surrounding country, 
animated to their best exertions by such sif^nal success.* 

The discomfiture of Pyle being soon effected, Lee ordered the 
cavalry to rt^sume its march, and to take post so as to arrest any 
sudden interference on the part of lieutenant colonel Tarleton, who 
must have heard the enemy's fire, and might probably interpose 
with the expectation of controlling the event of the conflict. 

Brigadier Pickens, following quickly, soon reached the van of the 
legion, whose cavalry had approached in view of Tarleton's camp. 
Then were seen incontestible evidences of the embarrassing confu- 
sion which an unexpected enemy never fails to produce, even 
among the best disciplined troops — demonstrating, without shadow 
of doubt, our certain success, had Pyle and his party been, as they 
ought to have been, at their own firesides. The sun was setting ; 
and for some moments Pickens and Lee hesitated whether immediate 
action was not, even at that hour, the eligible course. The troops 
were fatigued by their long march, increased by preparation for two 
combats and the rencontre with Pyle. This consideration, combined 
with the close approach of night, determined them to postpone bat- 
tle until the morning. Moving to their left, they placed themselves 
between the British and the upper country, on the great road lead- 
ing through Tarleton's camp to Hillsborough. The advanced sen- 

* This transaction is thus circumstantially given to repel the unfounded stig- 
ma attaclied to the officer and corps engaged with colonel Pyle. Mr. Stedman, 
(of whose impartiality and respect for truth I have acknowledged my convic- 
tion) has from misinformation been led upon this occasion into a palpable mis- 
take, or he would have refrained from the following observation : " When at 
last it became manifest, they called onl for quarter, but no quarter was granted ; 
and between two and three hundred of them were inhumanly butchered while 
in the act of begging for mercy. Humanity shudders at the recital of so foul a 
massacre; but cold and unfeeling policy avows it as the most effectual meant 
of intimidating the friends of royal government." So far from its being a ♦' foul 
massacre,'"' growing out of cold and unfeeling policy, it was not foul, and was 
unintentional ; and one of the two corps of cavalry, belonging to the army of 
(jreene, wiis hazaided for the express purpose of preventing the necessity of 
imbruing our hands in the blood of our fellow citizens. The fire commenced 
upon us, and self-preservation commanded the limited destruction which ensued. 
Only ninety of the loyalists were killed ; not between two and three hundred, as 
Mr. Stedman states : and less than ninety could not have been spared from the 
close condition of the dragoons, and the necessity of crushing resistance instant- 
ly. Had the officer or corps been capable of massacre, it was only necessary 
to have ordered pursuit, and not a man of the enemy would have escaped. So 
far from doing so, Lee resumed his march, leaving all that had dispersed to se- 
cure themselves without interruption. 



158 Memoirs of the War in the 

tinels and the patroles were stationed every where in sight of each 
other. 

Here they heard from some countrymen, who, abandoning their 
houses on the enemy's advance, had fallen in with Pickens, that a 
small party of militia had collected for mutual safety a few miles in 
the rear. A dragoon, attended by one of the informants, was im- 
mediately despatched with a letter to the officer, requesting him to 
hasten to camp ; more for the purpose of procuring accurate infor- 
mation of the ground expected soon to be the theatre ef action, and 
of furnishing faithful intelligent guides, than from any expectation 
of aid in battle. It so happened, that with the militia company was 
found colonel Preston, of Montgomery county in Virginia, just arriv- 
ed at the head of three hundred hardy mountaineers, who, hearing 
of Greene's retreat, had voluntarily hastened to his assistance — 
alike ignorant until that hour of the general's having recrossed the 
Dan, and of Tarleton's corps being but a few miles in front. 

The wisdom of the measure so speedily adopted by the comman- 
der in the South, after securing his retreat, was again now happily 
illustrated. It not only produced the annihilation of the first body 
of loyalists which had embodied and armed, but probably saved from 
destruction a detachment of brave men, induced by love of country 
to seek and to succour their hard pressed friends. Colonel Preston 
accompanied the dragoon to camp, followed by his battalion of rifle- 
men. Although Pickens and Lee were before determined to en- 
gage, such an opportune, unlooked-for auxiliary force, could not but 
excite new spirits in their troops, always proudly conscious of 
ability. Preston, his otTicers and soldiers, spent their first hour in 
gazing at the corps. They were much gratified with the orderly 
appearance it universally exhibited, and particularly delighted with 
the cheering looks of the dragoons, and the high condition of their 
stout horses. 

Our upper militia were never alarmed in meeting with equal num- 
bers of British infantry. Selecting their own ground (which being 
mounted they could readily do) before they would engage, they con- 
sidered themselves their equal ; but they entertained dreadful ap- 
prehensions of the sabre of the cavalry, particularly when associated 
with the name of Tarleton, who had, on many occasions, used it 
with destructive effect. From this source was derived the satisfac- 
tion expressed on reviewing the legion horse. They became con- 
vinced, that no equal number of dragoons ought to excite the smal- 
lest apprehensions on their part, and they were assured, that the 
British cavalry was not only inferior in their horses, but ver}' much 
so in horsemanship. Thoroughly satisfied, these welcome auxilia- 
ries retired to their post, responding with ardour the general wish 
to be led to battle with the dawn of day. Every arrangement being 
made to meet the approaching conflict, the troops assumed the dis- 
position in which they were to fight, and laid down to rest. 

From the intelligence procured it was ascertained, that the field 
in which the British were encamped had three or four wood dwel- 
ling-houses on the road near its centre, and was sufliciently capaci* 



Southern Department of the United States. 159 

OU9 to admit conveniently the major part of the respective com- 
batants to close action. The legion infantry, led by lieutenant 
colonel Lee, marched along the road, for the purpose as before of 
attending specially to the enemy's artillery, of which it has been 
mentioned we were destitute. Oldham, with his Marylanders, ad- 
vanced on the right, parallel with Lee ; and on his right, in a wood 
skirting the field, brigadier Pickens moved, having under him some 
of the same soldiers who had so nobly supported Howard's right at 
the Cowpens. Colonel Preston covered Lee's left ; having also the 
advantage of a copse of wood bordering the field in that direction, 
and being completely secured on his flank by a very extensive mill 
pond. The cavalry were formed in reserve, the head of the co- 
lumn pointing to the interval between Oldham and Pickens, where 
the field could be entei'ed out of fire from the houses should Tarle- 
ton, as was apprehended, occupy them with musketry. Rudolph, 
who commanded the horse, was directed to fly to the aid of any por- 
tion of the troops hard pressed, as well as to be ready to improve 
our, and to limit their, victory. Between the hours of two and 
three in the morning, concurring intelligence was received from the 
piquets and patroles, announcmg that the enemy was in motion, and 
soon afterwards, that he was retiring. 

The piquets being assembled by the oflicer of the day, were or- 
dered to advance ; while the main body, hastening to arms, follow- 
ed with celerity. Anxious to know the cause of this sudden and 
unexpected movement, an officer was directed to call at the houses 
lately occupied by the enemy, for the purpose of inquiry. He re- 
ported that lord Cornwallis, having been apprised of the advance 
of Pickens and Lee, haste*ned his orders to lieutenant colonel Tarle- 
ton, communicating the information he had received, and requiring 
him to repass the Haw instantly ; which order the lieutenant colo- 
Hel very reluctantly obeyed. He further learned that Tarleton 
and his officers were in high spirits, had enjoyed an abundant sup- 
per together, and were anxiously wishing for the return of light, 
determined to take complete revenge for the loss of Pyle ; and, 
assured of victory, delighted themselves with the prospect of mount- 
ing, in the course of the day, the chosen horses of the legion. So 
solicitous lord Cornwallis appears to have been, that he despatched 
three successive couriers, all of whom arrived ; the two last, just 
as the British corps was ready to move. There were three con- 
tiguous passages of the Haw. The nearest within four miles, to be 
passed in a boat, which, from the size of the flat kept at the ferry 
and the narrowness of the river would not have been very incon- 
venient : the infantry and artillery might have been thrown over 
before daylight, and the cavalry would have readily swam across. 
One mile below was another ferry, alike commodious; and seveo 
miles lower down was a ford, the same which both corps had used 
the day before. The legion, accustomed to night expeditions, had 
been in the habit of using pine torch for flambeaux. Supplied with 
this, though the morning was dark, the enemy's trail was distinctly 
discovered whenever a divergency took plnce in his roDte. He 



160 Memoirs of the War in the 

first took the road leading to the upper ferry, the direct route to 
Hillsborough ; but it being always presumed that he would avail 
himself of the ford, though out of his way, the van officer took 
care occasionally to examine, by the help of his pine knots, and 
soon ascertained, that after passing some small distance on that road, 
he crossed to the second route Here repeating his feint, he at 
length turned to the road leading to the foid. 

The diligence of the leading otftcer saved to the main body loss 
of ground ; as the enemy's stratagem was detected before we reach- 
ed the points of their separation from each road. As the day 
broke, the American troops, pursuing with zeal, had reached with- 
in two miles of the ford. The cavalry now taking the front, sup- 
ported by the riflemen, (all mounted) were ordered to press upon 
the enemy, and hold him back until the infuitry could get up. Be- 
fore sunrise they gained the enemy's rear, descending the hill to 
the river, over which tlie mciin body having just passed, was placed 
on a height commanding the ford, for the protection of the rear 
guard. Too near to be struck at without rashly exposing the troops, 
it was omitted ; much as it was desired to gam some evidence of 
our triumphant pursuit. At first Pickens and Lee determined, by 
a quick retrograde, to pass at the terry above, and to throw them- 
selves in Tarleton's rpar. This was effectible. in case he loitered 
only one hour on the banks of the Haw, a very probable event. 
But there was cause to apprehend, from the solicitude displayed by 
the Biitish general to bring him safely bark, that he would send a 
reinforcement to meet him. In this incertitude desire to give rest 
to the troops prevailed ; and, keeping up the western margin 
of the Haw, the corps halted in the first settlement capable 
of supplying the necessary subsistence. Thus closed twenty- 
four hours of very active service ; its chief object uneflected, 
and a secondary one completely executed, which produced a very 
favourable result, by repressing thoroughly the loyal spirit just be- 
ginning to burst forth. Fortune, which sways so imperiously the 
affairs of war, demonstrated throughout the operation its supreme 
control. Nothing was omitted on the part of the Americans to give 
to the expedition the desired termination ; but the very bright pros- 
pects which for a time presented themselves, were suddenly over- 
east — the capricious goddess gave us Pyle and saved Tarleton. 

General Greene, m pursuance of his plan, passed the Dan on 
the 23d, strengthened in a small degree by the corps of militia un- 
der Stevens, and took a direction towards the head waters of the 
Haw river. He was highly gratified by the success of his advanced 
troops, officially communicated to him after he had entered North 
Carolina ; and was pleased to estimate the destruction of Pyle and 
his loyalists as more advantageous in its effects than would have been 
a victory over lieutenant colonel Tarleion. 

Soon after Tarleton returned to Hillsborough, the British general 
quitted his position — moving with his whole force to the country 
from which Tarleton had been just chased, for the purpose of giv^ 
ing complete protection to his numerous friends inhabiting the dis- 



Southern Department of the United States. 161 

trict between the Haw and Deep river?, whose danger in attempt- 
ing to join him while so distantly situated, had lately been fatally 
exemplified. As soon a'' this movement on the part of his lordship 
was known to general Greene, he again resorted to his former exr 
pedient, of placing a strong light corps between him and the enemy. 
Colonel Williams was of course entrusted with its direction, who, 
moving towards his lordship, directed Pickens and Lee, a part of 
his establishment, to join him. Colonel Preston, still continuing 
with Pickens, now made a part of Williams's force. The return 
of Greene to North Carolina, and the destruction of colonel Pyle's 
loyalists, baffled the hopes so long entertained by the British gene- 
ral, and fast realizing after his possession of Hillsborough ; where, 
in the course of one day, seven independent companies of loyalists 
were raised. Lord Cornwallis's project of filling up his ranks with 
the youth of North Carolina, which he pressed by every means ia 
his power, although suspended by the late event, was not abandon- 
ed. Determined to effect it, he had, as we have seen, left Hills- 
borough, and placed himself among his friends, whose spirits he 
wished to revive by some decisive success. Encamped upon the 
Almance, he held himself ready to seize any opportunity which 
might be presented, and heard with pleasure of the approach of 
our light corps under colonel Williams. This officer was his first 
object ; the next was to force Greene to battle, which he believed 
would be risked by the American general to save his light troops. 
In the opinion of many, general Greene committed himself to much 
hazard in his newly adopted system. It was asked, wh}' not con- 
tinue in his safe position on the north of the Dan until, receiving all 
his expected succour, he could pass into North Carolina, seeking, 
instead of avoiding, his enemy. This safe and agreeable course 
was relinquished from necessity. Greene penetrating Cornwallis's 
views, foresaw their certain success, if he remained long out of 
the state, waiting for reinforcements himself. He discerned the 
probability, that his enemy would acquire a greater proportionate 
strength : with the essential diff'erence, that what we obtained would 
be mostly militia, a fluctuating force ; whereas, that gained by the 
enemy would stand to him throughout the contest. 

To arrest the progress of this scheme, pursued with pertinacity 
by the British general, it was necessary again to risk himself, his 
army, and the South. He therefore passed the Dan as soon as it 
was in his power ; depending on tl)e resources of his fertile mind, 
and the tried skill and courage of his faithful, though inferior, army. 
Crossing the Haw near its source, the American general established 
himself between Troublesome creek and Reedy fork. And chang- 
ing bis position every day, sometimes approaching colonel Williams, 
and then falling back npon the Troublesome, he held Cornwallis in 
perfect ignorance of his position, and stopped the possibility of sud- 
den interruption. Showing himself in so many different quarters, 
he considerably augmented the fears of the loyalists, who had not yet 
recovered from the consternation produced by the slaughter of their 
associates. Williams pursued the same desultory game, preserving 
21 



162 Memoirs of the War in the 

correspondency In his movements with, those of Greene.* As yet 
loid Corn\v;iliis h;ul tiot been alile to find any opportunity to execute 
his purpose. Williams, liiose and more satisfiLid of his safety from 
his suj)eriori!y in the fpi;dily of his cavalry, and wishing to take a 
distance whence he couKl conveniently interrupt the British parlies 
wliile rollectiiiir i>rovi-ions and forage, placed himself a few miles on 
the east suie of Kt'cdy foik, having; the Almance creek between him 
and the enemy. Lord Cornvvallis well knew the superiority of our 
horse ; feding it daily in the counteraction of his efforts to obtain 
intellig^^nce, so important in military opcralions. Indisposed to such 
a near neij,hl)o\uhftod wilh,us, he moved from his camp at three 
o'clock on tl.e 6th of I\Ian:h, and passing the Almance, pushed for- 
ward under t!ie cover of a heavy fog, with the expectation of beat- 
ing up Williams's quarters. The left of ihe light troops were com- 
posed of militia, who had l;i(ely joined under colonel Campbell, one 
of the heroes of King's mountain, relieving brigadier Pickens and 
the corj»3 who had so faiihfiiily adhered to general Greene during 
the trying scenes just passed. Campbell's militia were part of the 
conqnei ors ot Ferguson ; better suited, as has been before observ- 
ed, tor the Held of battie than for the security of camp. In this 
quai tcr, through some remissness in the guards, and concealed by 
the fig, l-.entenant colon> 1 Webster, commanding the British van, 
approached close before he was discovered. 

The alertness of liie light troojis soon recovered the momentary 
disadvantage ; and the i(>ginn of Lee advancing to support Camp- 
bell, the enemy's van was held back, until colonel Williams, undis- 
turbed, commenced his retreat, directing the two corps above men- 
tioned to cover his rear. }I;a ing crossed the Reedy fork, Williams 
made a disposition, with a view of oppo-ing the enemy's passage. 
Campbell, tollowing Willi tms, joined on the opposite banks — the 
infatitry of the legion proceedir.g in the rear of Campbell, followed 
by the cavalry, vvliich corps continued close to the enemy's advanc- 
ing van During {his liiovemi-nt, Webster made several efforts to 
bring the rear guard to action, laving under him the British cavalry. 
All his endeavouis were successively counteracted by the celerity 
and precision with which the legion horse rnanceuvred ; establish- 
i(ig evidently in the face of the enemy their decided superiority.! 
As soon as lieutenant colonel Lee was apprised of the rear infantry's 
nr.jsage over the river, he retired by troops from before Webster 

* On the 2cl of Mnrcli the legion anJ Pvestoivs i-iP.emen had a rencontre witli 
Tarlcton, whicii geiioral Greene in a despatch to genernl \Va.''hington thus no- 
tices — "On the 2(1, licuiBiiant colonel Lee, with a iletachment of riflemen, at- 
tacked the advance of the Biitish army under Taileton, and killed and wounded, 
by report, about thirty of tiiem " See Taileton's cain|jaigns, p. 23,'. — Ed. 

t No country in the world affords better riders than tlio United Slates, espe- 
cially the states south of Pennsylvania. The boys from seven years of age begin 
to mount horses; riding without saddle, and often, in the fields, when sent for a 
horse, without bridle. They go to mill on horseback, and perforin all the other 
small domestic services mounted. Thus they become so completely versed in 
the art of riding by the time tJiey reacti puberty, as to equal the most expert 
horsemen any where. 



Southern Department of the United States. 1G8 

ia Aill gjlloj) ; ami retelling Recil}' Tirk, soon unil^'d «illi colonel 
WillirtiH"', iin;n iU\-tod. There bei.jjj coav'nieni. fjfd, over the 
creek, above a.i;l l).;!uw nfier \Vill!;i:ns h.id s.i/Vly lirought over his 
corps, h^ dotermiiisii no l()ti>;er to cotiiiuoa m hi< liosidoii. Piesurn- 
iiig r::tre:it, he in^ii ihv. lej;io;i sopporied by coioiiol C;i.ri|>beil, with 
orders to retard the eniimy as loa^- aii it w.iS |ir.toliciiblri, withdit ha- 
ziniiog serioMS injury. L!e;Uo:i sot coioiiel '«ee, h iviuij detached 
ii co'ijjiany of Pre?tiv)u's m li:ii to g^i ir<l the pis^ at Wetzell's nii!], a 
lit'le (hsiauce cpou liis left, drew up Ids infaniry in one line, with its 
iiu;bt on the road, and its front pirnUel with the creek ; while the 
riilein jn u^uler colonels Campbell an' Preston, occupied a copse of 
heavy woods on the right of the road, with their left resting upon 
the rijj'it of the lc^fi;ion infantry. 

T!ie horse for.ned a second line in a ticld well situated to curb 
the progress of the British cavalry, should il prt'ss upon the lirst 
line when retiring, and to protect the horses of the rnditia, tied at 
some distance back, agree, ibly to «s;»ge. On (he tiist appearance 
of the enemy colonel Williams despatched a courier to Greene, 
com:nunicating what had passed, and advising him of the couise he 
should pursue alter crossing the Ketdy fork. Unwilling to approx- 
imate Greene, this oilicer moved slowly, waiting the disclosure of 
the enen^.y's intention. Should he hall on the opposite side of the 
creek, colonel Williams would lake his uig'it position within a few 
miles of Wetzell's mdl, giving time to the 'rooj-sto prepare food be- 
fore dark; but should ihe enemy advance to the liither side, he 
woild necessarily continue his retreat, however riiich opposed to 
his wishes. This state of suspense lasted but a litt'e while. The 
British ran appeared ; and after a halt for a few minutes on the op- 
posite bank, descended the hill appro;iching the water, where, re- 
ceiving a heavy tire o( musketry and rilles, it ffll back, and quickly 
reascending, was rallied on the margin of the bank. Mere a field 
Oihcer rode up, and in a Iwid voice addressed his soldiers, then rush- 
ed down the hill at their head, and plunged into the water, our tire 
pouring uj>on him. In the woods occupied by the ritLmen, stood ao 
old log sciiool house, a little to the right of the ford. The raud 
sliift'ed between the logs had mosily fallen out, and the apertures nd- 
niitled the use of rifles with ease. In this house twrnty five select 
marksmen, of King's mountain miliiia, were posted by Lee, with or- 
ders to forego taking any part in the general resi-tance, but to hold 
tlieaiselves in reserve for {n'.rticular ol)jects. 'i he leading officer 
plu.iging in the water, attracted ger.er.d notice ; and tiie school- 
house part}', recollecting its order, singled him out as their mark. 
The stream being deep, and the bottom rurjied, he advanced slow- 
ly : his soldiers on each side of him, and apparently some of them 
holding his stirrup leathers. This <(^le(;t parly discharged their rifies 
at him, one by one, each man sure of knocking liim over ; and having 
reloaded, eight or nine of iheni emptied their guns a second tiuie at 
the same object.* Strange to tell, though in a condition so perilous, 

* Tlie twenty-five riflemen were selected from tlieir superior excellence as 
marksmen. It was no uncotnnion amusement among tliem to put an apple on 



164' Memoirs of the War m the 

himself and horse were untouched ; and having crossed the creek, 
he soon formed his troops, and advanced upon us. The moment 
that the head of his column got under cover of our banks, lieutenant 
colonel Lee directed the line to retire from its flanks, and gain the 
rear of the cavalry. In the skirmish which ensued in our centre, 
after some of the enemy ascended the bank, three or four prisoners 
fell into our hands. The enemy's column being now formed, soon 
dislodged our centre ; and pushing Lee, came in front of the caval- 
ry. Here it paused, until the British horse, which followed the in- 
fantry, passed the creek, and took post on the enemy's right — the 
nearest point to the road, which we must necessarily take. This 
attitude indicated a decision to interrupt our retreat ; at all events 
^.o cut off our rear. 

Lee ordered Rudolph to incline in an oblique direction to his left; 
and, gaining the road, to wait the expected charge. Tarleton ad- 
vanced with his cavalry, followed by Webster. The legion infantry, 
close in the rear of (he riflemen, had now entered the road, con- 
siderably advanced towards colonel VVillian)s, still waiting in his 
position first taken for night quarters, and afterwards held to pro- 
tect the rear guard. Kudolph, with the cavalry, was drawn off, 
moving slo;vly, with orders to turn upon the British horse if they 
should risk a charge. 

It was now late in the evening, and nothing more was attempted. 
The British halted on the ground selected by Williams for our use, 
which he had abandoned. Having proceeded some miles further, 
be encamped on the northeast side of a range of hills covered with 
wood, some distance from the road : thus our tires were concealed 
from view, while the margin of the road and every avenue to our 
camji was vigilantly guarded. 

General Greene, as soon as he was advised in the morning of the 
enemy's advance, retireil and passed the Haw ; repeating, in his 
answer, his order to colonel Williams to avoid action, which be 
well knew was very practicable, unless our cavalry should meet 
with disaster. As soon as all appearances of further contest ceased, 
the prisoners, as was customary, were brought to the commandant ; 
who, among other inquiries, asked, what otficer led the enemy into 
the creek, and crossed with the leading section of the column? He 
was told, that it was lieutenant colonel Webster ; and that he had 
passed unhurt. 

Insciutable are the ways of Providence. That superior soldier, 
whose life was in such imminent danger, was now sately shielded, 
though doomed (o fall in a very few days. 

Lord Cornwalli?, finding that his attempt to bring Greene to ac- 
tion issued only in wearing down his brave army, and convinced 

ibe point of a ramrod, and holding it in the hand with the arm extended, to per- 
mit their comrades, known to be expert, to fire at it ; when many balls would 
P" 

aud neither struck hint nor bis horse. 



Southern Department of the United States. 165 

that Williams was unassailable so long as he preserved his superi- 
ority m cjivalry, withdrew towards Bell's mill, on Deep river, with 
the resolution of restoring, by rest, the strength of his troops, and 
of holding it up for that decisive day, which, from his knowledge 
of the character of his adversary, he was assured would arrive as 
soon as he had acquired his expected reinforcements. The last 
ten days presented a very interesting and edifying scene. Two 
gerierils of high talents, ardently supported by their respective 
armies, contending, by a series of daring manoeuvres, for a vast 
prize, which either might have lost by one iaise s^tep. Had Corn- 
waMis risked any partial operations against Williams, the destruction 
of the assailing corps would have led to the capture of the British 
army ; whureas, lud Greene, by incorrect intelligence or mistaken 
Calculations, placed himself within reach of the British general, 
our army would have been cut to pieces. Th5 loyalists looked on 
with anxious solicitude ; and, finding that all the efforts of the royal 
leader were unavailing, — the American army retaining its ground, 
and its active cavalry penetrating in every direction, — they recurr- 
ed to past admonition, and determined to repress their zeal, and to 
wait in quietude until the British superiority should be manifested 
by -ignal success. 

Thus the American general completely succeeded in his object, 
adding a new claim to the high confidence already acquired, and 
leaving it doubtful which most to admire. — his sagacity in counsel, 
his proiuptitude in decision, or his boldness and skill in execution. 

In this position, at the iron works on Troublesome creek, general 
Greene received the pleasing intelligence, that his reinforcements 
and supplies were approaching ; and hearing at the same time from 
colonel Williams, that lord Cornwallis had retired from the contest 
of skill, he determined to give repose to his troops and wait for his 
long expected succour. In a few days the new levies under colo- 
nel Green, and the militia from Virginia under brigadier general 
Lavvson, with a part of the supplies and stores so much wanted, 
reached camp. The levies were distributed in the regiments of 
Virginia, commanded by colonel Green and lieutenant colonel 
Hawes The militia being united to those collected by Stevens 
while at Halifax court-house, were divided into two brigades, under 
th"? direction of that general, and brigadier Lawson ; who, like Ste- 
vens, had commanded a continental regiment, and with many other 
brave and active officers, had been left without troops by the com- 
pression of our regular corps ; yet being unwilling to abandon the 
service of their country, still in jeopardy, they both had oflered 
to take command of the militia. 

Soon at'terward came in the North Carolina force, led by the 
brigadiers Butler and Eaton Previously colonels Campbell and 
Preston and Lynch* had joined, whose united corps did not exceed 

* Colonels Campbell and Preston had been with the light troops for some 
days ; succeeding the corps under brigadier Pickens, now returned home. Col- 
onel Lynch had lately joined, commanding one of tbfc battalions gf the Virginia 
militia, which arrived uuder brigadier Lawson^ 



\QQ Memoirs of the War in the 

six hundred rank and file. Oiir force now was estimated at foar 
thousand five hundred, horse, foot, and artillery ; of which, the 
continental portion did not amount to quite one thousand six hun- 
dred. To acquaint himself with the cliitracter of his late accession 
oi troops, and to mike rendy the many requisite preparations for 
service, the general continued in his position at the iron works, 
having drawn in most of the iigiit corps The legion of Lee, and 
the Virginia tnilitia attached to it under the colonels Preston and 
Campbell, still hovered around the enemy under the direction of 
lieutenant colonel Lee. 

The American dragoons, far superior in the ahility of their 
horses, stuck so close to the Brilish camp as to render their inter- 
course with the country very ditficult, and subjected ihe British 
genera! to many inconvenieitccs, hesides interrupting his acquire- 
ment of intelligence? 

No equal [larty ot tlie enemy's horse woijld dare to encounter 
them ; and if a superior force approached, the fleetness of their 
horses mocked pursuit. Feeling his privations daily, lord Corn- 
wallis, leaving {)is haggage to f>llo»v, made a sudden movement 
late in the evening from Bell's mill towards New Garden, a quaker 
seltlement, abounding with forage and provisions. Some of the 
small partifS of the legion horr^e, traversing in every quarter, one 
of them approached Bell's mill, and found it abandoned When 
informed by the inhabitants that the baggage had but lately firoceed- 
ed under a very small escort, the officer conimandmg the liorse de- 
termined to trace secretly the progress oi its march. It so hap- 
pened, that early in the niglit the escort wiih {[)o whole baggage 
mistook the road ; proceeding directly on, ini*tead of turning towiirds 
New Garden. Fortunately the vigilant otTicer discoverpd this er- 
ror ; and having ascertained the fact bf^yond doobt, he desjtatched 
a courier to lieutenant colonel Lee with the information, attended 
by two guides well acquainted with the route taken by the British 
army, that taken by the escort and the intermediate cross-roads. 
The intelligence reached Lee about eleven o'clock, (later than wjis 
expected) as he had. fiora the advance of the enemy, taken a more 
distant position. Instantly the legion horse, with two companies of 
infantry mounted behind two of the troop*, were put in motion : 
lieutenant colonel Lee taking tlie guides sent to him, advanced with 
the certain expectation of fuling in with the lost escort. The night 
was extremely dark, and the country covered with woods ; but the 
guides were fiithful. intelligent, and intiujately \ersed in all the 
roads, bye-roads, and even paths. Estimating the distance to march 
bv their computation, it did not exceed nine miles, which we 
reckoned, dark as was the night, to make in two hours. Pushing 
on with all practicable despatch, the first hour brought us to a large 
road : this the guides passed, leading the detachment again into a 
thick wood. Here we continued another hour ; when, finding no 
road, doubts began to be entertained by the guides, which issued 
at last in attempting to return to the very road they had passed, it 
being concluded to be the one desired. Unhappily they became 



Southern Department of the United States. 167 

bewildered, after changing their course, sometimes to the right, 
sometimes ta||^lert ; ever believing < very ch;inge would surely 
bring us to otWRsired route, and yet always disappointed 

At length with great anxiety they proposed a halt, while them- 
selves, accompanied by a ("ew dragoons, should take different di- 
rections on our flanks in search of a house. This was readily ac- 
ceded to, and the detachment dismounted, having not before hidted. 
In tlie space of an hour one of them returned, and shortly after the 
other, both without success. It was now three o'clock, as well as 
we could make out the time by feeling the hour and minute-hands 
of our watches. Again we mounted, and again moved as our guides 
directed ; more and more beivildered, and more and more distress- 
ed ; persevering, and yet in vain. Lieutenant colonel Lee appre- 
hensive that the detachment might be carried too remote from the 
place assigned tor junction in the morning with the militia under 
Campbell, again halted and dismounted, determining to wait for the 
light of day. It at last to our great joy appeared ; and even then 
our guides were so completely out of their reckoning, as to detain 
us a long time in the woods before they were satisfied of the course 
to be taken, 

By examining the bark of the trees they ascertained the north, 
and thus recovered their knowledge of our locality. We were 
within a mile of the road we had crossed, and which turned out to 
be the very road desired. When we passed it the enemy were, as 
was afterwards ascertained, two miles only on our right, as much 
bewildered as ourselves. For finding that they had not reached 
eamp within the period ex[)ected, calculating titne from distance ; 
and knowing that New Garden must be upon their left ; they took a 
cross road which offered, and soon found themselves encompassed 
with new difhculties — fdlen trees, and cross ways a? large as the 
road they had pursued : — when the ofHcer determined to halt and 
wait for day. Lord Cornwallis became extremely alarmed for the 
eatety of his baggage ; despatching parties of horse and foot in vari- 
ous directions to fall in with it, and detaching in the rear of these 
parties a strong corps to reinforce the escort. Not one of the vari- 
ous detachments either met with the escort or with Lee. As soon 
as it was lisiht, the oOlcer having charge of the l)aggage retraced 
his steps ; and shortly after gaining the road he had left in the night, 
fell in with the last detachment sent by lord Cornwallis, and with it 
safely reached the British camp; while lieutenant colonel Lee and 
his harassed legion, with his iifflicted guides, much mortified, joined 
Campbell.* Here he found orders from general Greene, now 

*Upon Lee's junction with Campbtll, ho found a packet from general Greene 
to lord Coniwaliis, whicii be sent off the eusviiig moniiug by coniet Midftlpton, 
of South Carolind, witii a flag. The conut reache'l tha British piqi^et just af- 
ter the captain had breakfasted, and was politely invited to take bieakiast, while 
the packet for his lordship should be sent to hea. 'quarters, from whence a reply 
would be forwarded, if reijuisite, which Middleton could convey. Cornwallis 
was on hie rounds, agreeably 'o his ctistom ; and soon after Middleton had fin- 
ished his breakfast, tailed at the piquet, when he was informed by t.ie captain, 
of the packet from general Greene, with his detention ol Uie officer for the an- 



168 Memoirs of the War in the 



nearly prepared for forward movement, to return to camp. The 
British general regained in his new position ; eni|*i|g, without in- 
terruption, the wholesome supplies with whichH^fertile settle- 
ment abounded. Lee having proceeded towards the iron works, 
found the American army on the 14th at Guilford court-house, dis- 
tant about twelve miles from the enemy ; and was immediately ad- 
vanced on the road towards the quaker meetinghouse, with orders 
to post himself within two or three miles of the court-house, and to 
resume his accustomed duties. Lieutenant Heard, of the legion 
cavalry, was detached in the evening with a |>arty of dragoons to 
place himself near the British camp, and to report from time to 
time such occurrences as might happen. About two in the morn- 
ing this officer communicated, that a large body of horse were ap- 
proaching the meetinghouse, which was not more than six miles 
from our headquarters, and near the point where the road from 
Deep river intersects the great road leadmg from Salisbury to Vir- 
gmia. The intelligence received was instantly forwarded to the 
general, and Hoard was directed to proceed with a few of his dra- 
goons down the tlank of the enemy to discover whether the British 
army was in motion, leaving his second to hold their front. Hear- 
ing from Heard, agreeably to rule, every half hour, it was known, 
that the enemy continued, though slowly, to approach ; and at 
length he communicated, that his various attempts to pass down the 
flank as directed, had proved abortive, having been uniformly in- 
terrupted by patroles ranging far from the line of march : yet that 
he was persuaded that he heard the rumbling of wheels, which in- 
dicated a general movement. This being made known to general 
Greene, Lee was directed to advance with his cavalry, to bear 
down these interruptions, and to ascertain the truth. Expecting 
battle as soon as Heard's last information was received, the van was 
called to arms at four in the morning, and to take breakfast with all 
practicable haste. This had just been finished, when the last men- 
tioned order from the general wa-i communicated. Lieutenant colo- 
nel Lee instantly mounted, and took the road to the enemy, at the 
head of the horse, having directed the infantry 'and the rifle mili- 

swer, if any was requisite. His lortiship dismounting, entered the captain's 
quarters, wliere cornet Middleton was introduced to him. Presuming from his 
dress that he belonged to Lcc's Jeginn, he asi<ed if he did not belong to that 
corps ; and being answered in the affirmative, with a smile he significantly in- 
nuired where it had been tlie preceding night. The amiable Alldrileton, some- 
what surprised and confounded at a query so unexpected, with evident confu- 
sion replied, that it had not been far oft". Upon which lord Cornwallis famili- 
arly said, the object of his inquiry was unimportant, the matter to whicli il re- 
lated being past; and that he asked the information to gratify liis curiosity. 
Middleton, blushing, then told him, tliat lieutenant colonel Lee had received 
intelligence of his lordship's escort, with the baggage and stores, being lost in 
the night, and instantly proceeded in the expectation of putting them in the right 
course. This idea tickling the British general, he laughingly asked, " well, 
why did he not do it." Because, says Middleton, wo got lost ourselves ; tra- 
versing the roads all night, and as it appeared afterwards within two miles of 
our much desired piize. Turning to his aids, Cornwallis said, "you see I was 
not mistaken." 



Southern Department of the United States. 169 

tia to follow, the tirst on his ri<:;ht, and the second on his left. 
The cavaljj had not proceeded above two Dtiies, when Lee was met 
by lieutenant Heard and his party, who were retiring, followed lei- 
surely by the enemy's horse. Wishing to approach nearer to 
Greene, and at all events to gain the proximity of the rifle militia 
and legion infantry, lest the British army might be up, as was sus- 
pected, Lee ordered the column to retire by troops, taking the pro- 
per distance for open evolution. The rear troop under Rudolph 
going off in full gallop, and followed in like manner by the centre 
troop under Eggieston, the British commandant flattered himself 
with converting this retrograde movement into rout, and pressed 
upon the front under Armstrong, still in a walk, it being necessary 
to gain the open order required, that this officer should not change 
his pace. With him was lieutenant colonel Lee, attentively watch- 
ing the British progress. Poinding that the charge did not affect 
Armstrong's troop, now the rear, the enemy emptied their pistols, 
and then raising a shout, pushed a second time upon Armstrong ; 
who, remaining sullen as before, the leading section having nearly 
closed with us, drew up. 

At (his moment, Lee ordering a charge, the dragoons came in- 
stantly to the right about, and, in close column, rushed upon the 
foe. This meftting happened in a long lane, with very high curved 
fences on each side of the road, which admitted but one section in 
front. The charge was ordered by Lee, from conviction that he 
should trample his enemy under foot, it he dared to meet the 
shock ; and thus gain an easy and complete victory. But only the 
frent section of each corps closed, Tarleton sounding a retreat, the 
moment he discovered the column in charge. The whole of the 
enemy's section was dismounted, and many of the horses prostrat- 
ed ;* some of the dragoons killed, the rest made prisoners : not a 
single American soldier or horse injured. Tarleton retired with 
celerity ; and getting out of the lane, took an obscure way leading 
directly across the Salisbury road towards the British camp — while 
Lee, well acquainted with the country, followed the common route 
by the quaker meeting-house, with a view to sever the B( ilish lieu- 
tenant colonel from his army, by holding him well upon hi* left> and 
with the determination to gain his front, and then to press directly 
upon him with his condensed force ; and thus place his horse be- 
tween Tarleton and Cornwallis, presumed to be some distance be- 
hind. By endeavouring to take the whole detachment, he permit- 
ted the whole to escape ; whereas, had he continued to press on 

•This is not staled with a view to extol one, or disparage the other corps; 
but merely to stale the fact. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton was obliged to use 
such horses as he could get; whereas his opponent had the whole South to select 
out of. The consequence was, the British dragoons were mounted upon small 
weak horses: those of the legion on stout, artive horses, and kept in the highest 
condition. When ihey met, the momentum of the one must crusli the other ; 
and if the latter fled, he could not escape from his enemy, so excellently mount- 
ed. There was very little credit, with such superior means, due lo the Ameri- 
cans upon victory ; whereas, the disgrace of defeat would have been extreme, 
and Lee's corps ought to have been decimated. 
22 



1 70 Memoirs of the War in the 

the rear, he must have taken many. As Lee, with his column in 
full speed, got up to the meeting-house, the Pritieh guards had just 
reached it ; and displaying in a moment, gave the American cavalry 
a close and general tire.* The sun had just risen above the trees, 
and sinning bright, the refulgence from the British muskets, as the 
soldiers presented, frightened Lee's horse so as to compel him to 
throw himself off. Instantly remounting another, he ordered a re- 
treat. This rnanteuvre was speedily executed ; and while the cav- 
alry were retirinji, the legion infantry came running uj) with trailed 
arms, and opened a well aimed fire upon the guards, which was 
followed in a few minutes by a volley from the rit^emen under col- 
onel Campbell, who h;id taken post on the left of the infantry. The 
action became very sharp, and was bravely maintained on both 
sides. t The cavalry having formed again in column, and Lee being 
convinced, from the appearance of the guard-, that Cornwallis was 
not far in the rear, drew off his infantry ; and covering them from 
any attempt of the British horse, retired towards the American 
army. General Greene, being immediately advised of what had 
passed, prepared for battle ; not doubling, that the long avoided, 
now wished for, hour was at hand. 

Guilford court house, erected near the great state road, is situat- 
ed on the brow of a declivity, which descends gradually with an 
undulating slope for about a half mile. It terminates in a small 
vale, intersected by a rivulet. On the right of the road is open 
ground with some few copses of wood until you gain the last step 
of the descent, where you see thick glades of brushy wood reach- 
ing across the rivulet. On the left of the road from the court- 

*This was not at Xew Garden meeting-house, which was twelve miles from 
Guilford, and from which Cornwallis had inovetl ai the dawn of day. It was now 
about one hour after sun rise — " the sun had just liseti above the trees;" and 
Cornwallis in his report, says this affair happened about four miles from Guilford ; 
that is, about eight miles from New Garden meeting-house. Colonel Howard 
confirms this estimate of riii-tance, for he says the firing was distinctly heard at 
Guilford. It was probably therefore a meeting-house of less notoriety than that 
at New Garden. 

Captain Tate, who cominanded a company of Virginia niilitia, at the battle 
of the Cowpens, and shared in the memorable charge of Howard, was attach- 
ed to Lee's pajty on this occasion, and had his thigh broken. — Ed. 

t The L5iitisli sustained a much heavier loss in killed and wounded than we 
did. His fire was innocent, overshooiing the cavalry entirely ; whose caps and 
accoutrements were all struck with green twigs, cut by the Britisli ball out of 
the large oaks in the meeting-house yard, under which the cavalry received the 
volley from the guards. .Some of the infantry and riflemen were killed, and 
mote wounded : among them was lieutenant Snowden, of the legion infantry, 
who, with most of the wounded, was necessarily left on the field. 

Lee, after the battle of Guilford, wrote to lieutenant colonel Tarleton, asking 
his care of the wounded of the Irgion and rifle corps ; it being common for offi- 
cer-, in the habit of meeting in the course of service, mutually to solicit such 
favours. Tarleton very politely answered by an amanuensis, that he would, 
with pleasure, execute the request ; and apologised for not writing himself; say- 
ing, that he had recerved a ball in his right hand in our morning rencontre. 
Captain Schutz, of the guards, was badly wounded, with other officers and sol- 
diers of that corp?. 



Southern Department of the United States. 171 

houpe, a deep forest of lofty trees, which terminates nearly in a 
line witii the termination of the held on the opposite side of the 
road. Below this forest is a email piece of opt;n ground, which 
appeared to have been cultivated in corn the preceding summer. 
This small field was long, but narrow, reaching close to the swamp 
bordering ujion the rivulet. 

In the road captain Singleton was posted, in a line with the ter- 
mination of the large field and the commencement of the small one, 
with two six pounders within close shot of the rivulet, where the 
enemy, keeping the road, would pass. Across the road on his left, 
some (ew yards in his rear, the North Carolina militia were ranged 
under generals Butler and Ea'on. ^t some distance behind this 
line, the Virginia militia, led by the eeuerals Stevens and Lawson, 
were formed in a deep wood ; the right flank of Stevens and the 
left flank of Lawson resting on the great road. The continental 
infantry, consisting of four regiments, were drawn up in the rear 
of the Virginia militia, in the field to the right of the road ; the 
two regiments of Virginia, conducted by colonel Green and lieute- 
nant colonel Hawes, under the order o( brigadier Huger, com- 
posing the right ; and the two of Maryland, led by colonel Gunby 
and lieutenant colonel Ford, under the orders of colonel Williams, 
composing the left. Of these, only the regiment of Gunby tvaS 
veteran ; the three others were composed of new soldiers, among 
whom were mingled a few who had served from the beginning of 
the war ; but all the officers were experienced and approved. 
Greene, well informed of Ids enemy's inferiority in number, knew 
he could present but one line, and had therefore no reserve ; con- 
sidering it injudicious to weaken either of his lines by forming one. 
On the right, lieutenant colonel Washington, with his cavalry, the 
old Delaware company tinder the brave captain Kirkwood, and col- 
onel Lynch with a battalion of Virginia militia, was posted, with or- 
ders to hold safe that flank. For the same purpose, and with the 
same orders, lieutenant colonel Lee was stationed on the left flank 
with his legion and the Virginia rifletpen commanded by colonel 
Campbell. 

In the rear line our small park was placed, with the exception of 
two sixes with captain Singleton, — who was now with the front line, 
but directed to repair to the rear as soon as the enemy should enter 
into close battle, and there take his assigned station. 

As soon as the British van appeared, Singleton opened a cannonade 
upon it, — convincing lord Cornwallis of his proximity to the Amer- 
ican army. Lieutenant M'Cleod, commandirig the royal artillery, 
hastened up with two pieces, and, stationing himself in the road 
near the rivulet, returned our fire. Thus the action commenced : 
the British general in the mean time arranging his army in order of 
battle. Although he could form but one full line, he took the reso- 
lution of attacking an able general advantageously posted, with a 
force more than double, a portion whereof he knew to be excellent, 
supported by cavalry of the first character. Yet such was his con- 
dition, that lord Cornwallis was highly gratified with having it in 



1 72 Memoirs of the War in the 

his power, even on such lerms, to appes^l to the sword. The se- 
venth-first, with the regiment of Boi*e, formed his right under the 
order of m^jor general Lesihe ; his left was composed of the twen- 
ty third and thirty-third regiments, led by lieutenant colonel Web- 
ster 

The royal artillery, directed by lieutenant M'Cleod, and sup- 
ported by the light infantry of the guards and the yagers, moved 
along the road in the centre. The first battalion of guards, under 
lieutenant colonel Norton, gave support to the right. While brig- 
adier O'Hara, with the grenadiers and second battalion of guards, 
maintained the left. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton, with the cavalry 
in column, formed the reserve on the road, in the rear of the ar- 
tillery. 

The moment the head of the British column passed the rivulet, 
the different corps!, in quick step, deployed lo the right and left, 
and soon were ranged in line of battle. 

Leslie instantly advanced upun the North Carolina militia. 
These troops were most advantageouly posted undercover of a rail 
fence, along tlie margin of the woods ; and Campbell's riflemen 
and the legion infantry connected in line with the North Carolina 
militia, turning with the fence as it approached the rivulet, raked 
by their fire the right of the British wing, entirely uncovered : — 
the legion cavalry, in the woods, in a column pointing to the angu- 
lar corner of the fence ready to support the militia on its right, or 
the infantry of the legion to its left. The appearance in this quar- 
ter was so favourable that sanguine hopes ivere entertained by ma- 
ny of the officers, from the manifest advantage possessed, of break- 
ing down the enemy's right before he approached the fence ; and 
the troops exhibited the Jippearance of great zeal and alacrity. 

Lieutenant colonel Webster took his part with his usual ability, — 
moving upon the Virginia militia, who were not so advantageously 
posted as their comrades of North Carolina, yet gave every indica- 
tion of maintaining their ground with obstinacy.* Stevens, to give 
efficacy to this temper, and stung with the recollection of their in- 
glorious flight in the battle of Camden, hud placed a line of senti- 
nels in his rear with orders to shoot every man that flinched. 
When the enemy came within long shot, the American line, by 
order, began to fire. Undismayed, the British continued to ad- 
vance ; and having reached a proper distance, discharged their 
pieces and rent the air with shouts. To our infinite distress and 
mortification, the North Carolina militia took to flight, a few only of 

"■ Greene's first line was inferior in numbers and extent of front to his second, 
and appearb to have been posted rather more to his right. The movement of 
Webster, is not clearly described however in the text, for before he could reach the 
Virginians or second line, he must have approached and dispersed the right wing 
of the first line; which was in his front, and was flanked by lieutenant colonel 
Washington'* party. This was speedily done, and ihf.n his movement was 
" upon the S'irginia nilitia.'' The author having benn first engaged by the 
advanci; of il;*^ iirijijli f^iit, dees not appear to have formed a distinct concep- 
tion of the begmnirig of the action on the opposite wing. — Ed, 



Southern Department of the United States, 173 

Eaton's brigade excepted, who clung to the miiitia under Campbell; 
which, with the legion, maijfully maintained tneir grouud. ii,very 
effort was made by the generals Butler and Eaton, assisted by colo- 
nel Davie, commissary general, with many ot the otiicers of every 
grade, to stop this unaccountable panic ; ior not a man ol the corps 
had been killed, or even wounded. Lieutenant colonel Lee joined 
in the attempt to rally the fugitives, threatening to tall upon them 
\vith his cavalry. All was vain, — so thoroughly conlouuded were 
these unhappy men, that throwing away arms, knapsackh, and even 
canteens, they rushed like a torrent headlong through ihe woods. 
In the mean time the British right became so injured by the keen 
and advantageous contest still upheld by Campbell and the legion, 
as to render it necessary for Leslie to order into line the support 
under lieutenant colonel Norton, a decided proof oi the dihicult 
condition to which he must have been soon reduced, had the North 
Carolina militia done their duty. The chasm m our oruer ot Oattle, 
produced by this base desertion, was extremely detrimental in its 
consequences ; for being seized by Leslie, it threw the corps of 
Lee out of combination with the army, and also exposed it to de- 
struction. General Leslie, turning the regiment ol Bose, with the 
battalion of guards, upon Lee, pressed forward himselt witn the 
seventy first to cover the right of Webster, — uqw keenly engaged 
with the Virginia militia ; and seized the most advantageous po> 
sition, which he preserved through the battle. JNoule Was the 
stand of the Virginia militia ; Stevens and Lawson, witti tQeir taith- 
ful brigades, contending tor victory against the best officer in tiie 
British army, at the head of two regiments, distinguished for in- 
trepidity and discipline ; and so firmly did they maintain ttie battle 
(secured on their flank by the position taken by Washington, who, 
anxious to contribute to the aid of his brave countrymen, introduced 
Lynch's battalion of riflemen upon the flank of Webster, already 
fully engaged in front) that brigadier O'Hara, with the grenadiers 
and second battrthon of the guards were brought into the line in 
support of Webster. As soon as this assistance was felt, lieutenant 
colonel Webster, turning the thirty-third upon Lynch, relieved 
his flank of all annoyance ; and instantly O'Hara, advancing with 
the remainder of the left wing with fixed bayonets, aided by the 
seventy-first under Leslie, compelled first Lawson's brigade and 
then Stevens to abandon the contest. Unhappily the latter gene- 
ral received a ball through his thigh, which accelerated not a lit- 
tie the retreat of his brigade. The militia no longer presented 
even the show ot resistance : nevertheless, such had been the 
resolution with which the corps under Lee, sustaining itself on the 
left against the first battalion of guards and the regiment of Bose, 
and so bravely did the Virginia militia support the action on the 
right, that, notwithstanding the injurious desertion of the first line 
without exchanging a shot, every corps of the British army, ex- 
cept the cavalry, had been necessarily brought into battle, and many 
of them had suflered severely . It cannot be doubted, had the North 
Carolina militia rivalled that of Virginia upon this occasion, that lord 



1 74 Memoirs of the War in the 

Cornwallis must hnre been defeated ; and even now the continental 
troops being in full vigour, and our cavalry unhurt, there was good 
ground to expect victory. 

Persevering in his determination to die or conquer, the British 
general did not stop to concentrate his force, but pressed forward to 
break our third line. The action, never intermitting on his right, was 
still sternly maintained by colonel Norton's battalion of guards, and 
the regiment of Bose, with the ritle mihtia and the legion infantry ; 
90 that this portion of the British force could not be brought to bear 
upon the third line, supported by colonel Washington at the head 
of the horse, and Kirkwood's Delaware company. General Greene 
was well pleased with the present prospect, and flattering himself 
with a happy conclusion, passed along the line, exhorting his troops 
to give the finishing blow. Webster, hastening over the ground 
occupied by the Virginia militia, sought with zeal the continenial 
line, and presently approached its right wing. Here was posted 
the tirst regiment of xMarylaod, commanded by colonel Gunby, hav- 
ing under him lieutenant colonel Howard. The enemy rushed 
into close fire ; but so firmly was he received by this body of vet- 
erans, supported by Hawe's regiment of Virginia and Kirkwood's 
company of Delawares, (being weakened in his contest with Ste- 
ven's brigade, and as yet unsupported, the troops to his right not 
having advanced from inequality of ground or other impediments) 
that with equal rapidity he was compelled to recoil from the shock. 

Recrossing a ravine in his rear, Webster occupied an advanta- 
geous height, waiting for the approach of the rest of the line. 
Very soon lieutenant colonel Stuart, with the first battalion of 
guards, appeared in the open field, followed successively by the 
remaining corps, all anxious to unite in the last effort. Stuart, 
discovering Ford's regiment of Maryland on the left of the first 
regiment, and a small copse of wood concealing Gunby, pushed for- 
ward upon Ford, who was strengthened by captain Finley with two 
six pounders. Colonel Williams, commanding the Maryland line, 
charmed with the late demeanor of the fir*t regiment, hastened to- 
wards the second, expecting a similar display, and prepared to 
combine his whole force with all practicable celerity ; when, unac- 
countably, the second regiment gave way, abandoning to the enemy 
the two field pi>.^ce9. 

Gunby being left free by Webster's recession, wheeled to his 
left upon Stuart, who was pursuing the flying second regiment. 
Here the action was well fought; each corps manfully struggling 
for victory ; whijn lieutenant colonel Washington, who had, upon 
the discomfiture of the Virginia militia, placed himself upon the 
6ank of the continentals, agreeably to the order of battle, pressed 
forward with his cavalry. 

Stuart beginning to give ground, Washington fell upon him sword 
in hand, followed by Howard with fixed bayonets, now command- 
ing the regiment in consequence of Gunby being dismounted. This 
combined operation was irresistable. Stuart fell by the sword of 
oafjtain Smith, of the first regiment; the two field pieces were 



Southern Department of the United States. 175 

recovered ; his battalion driven back with slaughter, — its remains 
being saved by the Britii^h artillery, which, to stop the ardent pur- 
•uit of Washington* and Howard, opened upon friends as well as 
foes ; for Cornwallis, seeing the vigorous advance of these two of- 
ficers, determined to arrest their progress, though every ball, lev- 
elled at them, must pass through the flying guards. Checked by 
this cannonade, and discovering one regiment passing from the 
woods on the enemy's right, across the road, and another advancing 
in front, Howard believing himself to be out of support, retired, 
followed by Washington, 

To these two regiments, (which were the seventy-tirst, which 
general Leslie had so ju<liciously conducted after the ignominious 
flight of the North Carolina militia, and the twenty-third, the right 
of Webster,) brigadier O'Hara, though grievously wounded, brought 
the remnant of the tirst battalion of guards, whom he in person 
rallied ; and, with the grenadiers, filled up the interval between 
the left and right wing. 

Webster, the moment Stuart appeared in the field, putting Ford 
to flight, recrossed the ravine and attacked Hawes's regiment of Vir» 
ginia, supported by Kirkwood's company. The action was renewed 
in this quarter with vigour; the seventy-first and twenty-third, con- 
nected in their centre by the first battalion and grenadiers of the 
guards, having at the same time moved upon Howard. Meanwhile 
the long impending contest upon the enemy's right continued with- 
out intermission ; each of the combatants getting gradually nearer to 
the flanks of their respective armies, to close with which was the de- 
sired ot>ject of both. At length lieutenant colonel Norton, with his 
battalion of guards, believing the regiment of Bose adequate to the 
Gjntest, and close to the great road to which he had been constantly 
inclining, pressed forward to join the seventy-first. Relieved from 
this portion of the enemy, lieutenant colonel Lee dispensed with his 
cavalry, heretotbre held in the rear to cover retreat in case of dis- 
aster, ordering it to close with the left of the continental line, and 
there to act until it should receive further orders. Upon Bose the 
rifle and the legion infantry now turned with increased animation, 
and with confidence of success. Major De Buy, of the regiment of 
Bose, continued to Jefend himself with obstinacy ; but pressed as he 
was by superior force, he at length gave ground, and fell back into 
the rear of Norton. Still annoying him with the rifle corps under 
Campbell, Lee hastened with his infantry to rejoin his cavalry upon 
the flank of the continentals, the point so long and vainly contended 

* *' After passing through the guards into the open ground, Washington, M'ho 
always led tlie van, perceived an ofncer surrounded bv several persons, appear- 
ing to be aids-de-camp. Believing this to be lord Cornwallis, he rushed on 
with the hope of making him prisoner, when he was arrested by an accident. 
His cap fell from his head, and as he leaped to the ground to recover it, the 
officer leading his column was shot through the body and rendered incapable of 
managing his horse. The horse wheeled round with his rider, and galloped off 
the field : be was followed by all the cavalry, who supposed this movement had 
beea directed.'' — Marshall's Life of Washington. 



1 f 6 Memoirs of the War in the 

for. In bis rout he found the battalion of guards under ^^orton in 
possession of the height first occupied by Lavvson's brigade of Vir- 
ginia miUtia. With this corps, again the legion infantry renewed ac- 
tion ; and supported by the van company of the riflemen, its rear 
still waiting upon Major De Buy, drove it back upon the regiment 
of Base. Every obstacle now removed, Lee pressed forward, fol- 
lowed by Campbell, and joined his horse close by Guilford court- 
house. 

Having seen the flight of the second regiment of Maryland, pre- 
ceded by that of the North Carolina militia — the corpi of Lee sevei- 
ed from the army, and considering it if not destroyed, at least 
thrown out of battle by Leslie's judicious seizure of the interval 
produced by the panic of the North Carolina militia, and in all pro- 
bability notable to regain its station in the line — Greene, immutable 
in the resolution never to risk annihilation of his force, and advert- 
ing to his scanty supply of ammunition, determined, vvhen he found 
all his personal eS'orts seconded by colonels Williams and Carring- 
ton to rally the second regiment of Maryland nugatory, to provide 
for retreat. Colonel Green, one of the bravest of brave soldiers, 
with his regiment of Virginia, was drawn off without having tasted 
of battle, and ordered to a given point in the rear for the security 
of this movement.* Had general Greene known how severely his 
enemy was crippled, and that the corps under Lee had fought their 
way to his continental line, he would certainly have continued the 
conflict ; and in all probability would have made it a draivn day, if 
not have secured to himself the victory Ignorant of these facts, 
and finding Webster returned to battle — O'Hara, with his rallied 
guards in line — and general Leslie, with the seventy-first, connect- 
ed with them on the right, and followed, as he well knew, by the 
remnant of his wing — he persevered in his resolution, and directed 
a retreat, which was performed deliberately under cover of colonel 
Green. General Huger, who had, throughout the action, given his 
chief attention to the regiment of Hawes's, the only one of the two, 
constituting his brigade, ever engaged, and which, with Kirkwood's 
company, was still contending with lieutenant colonel Webster, now 
drew it oflf by order of the general ; while colonel Williams effect- 

♦ Colonel Green was much dissatisfied with the general's selection of his re- 
giment for this service, though esteemed among the most honourable — so anxious 
was the yeteran officer to be led at once into keen conflict. 

When it was announced upon the first of the retreat, titat the British were 
close advancing, he be>;ame better humoured ; but soon the pursuit was discon- 
tinued, and hik sourness returned. His friends would often console him by stat- 
ing his selection as an evidence of the confidence reposed in him as a scldier. 
This woul'l not satisfy the colonel, who never failed to reply that he did not 
like such sort of distinction ; and he hoped the general would, upon the next oc- 
casion, attach tu some other regiment the honour of covering his retreat. Get- 
ting to the general's ear, he took the first upportunity of telling the colonel, 
whom be much esteemed and respected, that he had heard he did not relish the 
post assigned to his regiment the other day. No, that I did not, replied the old 
colonel. Well, rejoined Greene, be patient: you shall iiave the first blow the 
next time. This delighted him, and he always reckoned upon the promised booa 
with pleasure. 



Southern Department of the United States. 1 77 

ed the same object in his quarter ; both abandoning our artillery, as 
their horses h id been moA\y killed ; and general Greene preferred 
leavin.ii; his artillery, to risking the loss of lives in drawing them o£f 
by hand. Just afier this had taken place, lieutenant colonel Lee 
joined his cavalry at the court-house ; and, unpursued, retired down 
the great Salif^bnry road, until a cross-road enabled him to pass over 
to the line of retreat. The seventy-tirst and twenty-third regi- 
ments, supported by the cavalry of Taileton, followed our army 
with the show «f falling upon it ; but the British general soon re- 
called them, and general Greene, undisturbed, was left to pursue 
his retreat. He halted lirsl three miles from the field of battle, to 
collect stragglers and fugitives, and afteivvards retired leisurely to 
his former position at the iron works. 

The pertinacity with which the rifle corps of Campbell and the 
legion infantry had maintained the battle on the enemy's right, in- 
duced lord Cornwallis to detach the British horse to that quarter. 
'J'he contest had long been ebbing before this corps arrived ; and 
lieutenant colonel Tarleton found only a few resolute marksmen in 
the rear of Campbell, who continued firing from tree to tree. The 
appearance of cavalry determined these brave fellows to retire and 
overtake their corps. 

Thus the battle terminated. It was fought on the 15th of March, 
a day never to be forgotten by the southern section of the United 
States. The atniospheie calm, and illumined with a cloudless sun ; 
the season rather cold than cool ; the body braced, and the mind 
high toned by the slate of the weather. Great was the slake, wii- 
iiog were the generals* to put it to hazard, and their armies seemed 
to support with ardour the decision of their respective leaders. 

* Never did two generals exert ihomsclves more than did tiiese rival leaders 
upon this occasiun. Long vvitlilield from each oilier by the sagacious coiirluct of 
Gieene, until he acquired suiticient strength to risk battle, they seized with ar- 
dour the opportunity at length presentoJ of au appeal to Itie sword. This deci- 
sion was wise in hoth ; and every step taken by the one and by the other, as well 
in prfeparalion for buttle, as in the battle, demonstrated superior abilities. 

Greene's position was masterly, as was the giound selected for the comb«t pe- 
culiarly adapted to his views and troops. Cornu aliis saw the difficulties thrown 
in his way by the skill of his antagonist, and diniinislied their weight by the dis- 
position of his force, as far as it was practicable. Having done all that was pos- 
sible ti) accomplish their purpose, no attention was omitted, no peril avoided in 
the coU'Se of the action, to produce tlie desired issue. They exposed their per- 
sons, uncouscious of danger, and self-devoted to uatinnal triumph. Upon one 
occasion Greene was nearly passed by a body of the enemy within thirty paces 
of him, when major Pendleton, one of liis aids, discovered them. Luckily a 
copse of woods intervened, wuich covered Greene's return to our line. 

Soon afterwards Coi nwallis, seeing the dijcomfiturc of one battalion of the 
guards, repaired in peison to direct ttie measures for the recovery of the lost 
ground ; when, by the dauntless exposure of himsell, he was placed in exlriimc 
danger. It was upon this occasion that he orrlcred his artillery to open through 
his flying guards, to stop Washington and Howard. Brigadier O'Hara remou- 
btrated, by exclaiming, that the file would dcstioy themselves. " True," replied 
Cornwallis; " but this is a necessary evil wdiich we must endure, to arrest iin« 
pending destruction.'' 
23 



1 78 Memoirs of the War in the 

The British general fought against two to one ;* but he had great- 
ly the advantage iY) the quality of his soldiers. General Greene's 
veteran infantry being only tlie tirst regiment of Maryland, the corn- 
pan) of Delaware under Kirkwood, (to whom none could be supe- 
rior) and the legion infantry ; all together making on that day not 
more than tive hundred rank and tile. The second regiment ot 
Maryland and the two regiments of Virginia were composed of raw 
troops ; but their ofRcers were veteran, and the soldier is soon made 
tit for battle by exjK-rieiiced commanders. Uniting these corps to 
those recited, and the total (as per official return) amounted to one 
thousand lour hundred and ninety ; so that even esliuiating our old 
and nevv troops in one class, still our infantry was considerably less 
than his lordshi[)'s. The North Carolina militia, as has been seen, 
abandoned us; and we had only the Virginia militia and the rifle 
corps under colonel Campbell and colonel Ljinch to balance the 
enemy's superiority' over our regular infantry. In artillery, the two 
armies were nearly equal, as they may be also considered in cavalry ; 
the superiority in number, on the part of the British being counter- 
balanced by our excellenct; in quality. 

The slaughter was prodigious on the side of the enemy, making, 
in killf^d and wounded, nearly one third of his army. The otlicial 
report states the loss to amount to live hundred and thirty-two men, 
of whom uinely-three were found dead on the field of battle. 

Lieutenant colonel Stuart, of the guards, and lieutenant O'Hara, 
of the royal artillery, brother to the general, with many other offi- 
cers, were killed. 

The brigadiers O'Hara and Howard, lieutenant colonels Webster 
and Tarleton, the captains Stuart and Maynard,t Goodryche, Mait- 

* Our fielfi return, a few days before the action, rates Greene's army at four 
thousanil four liuiulrecl and forty- nine, horse, foot and artillery ; of wliich, one 
thousand six hundred and seventy were continentals, the residue militia. The 
enemy rate us at upwards of five thousand. He is mistaken ; we did not reach 
that number, though some call us seven thousand. 

Lorii Cornwallis's army engaged, is put down at one thousand four hundred 
and fortv-nine infantry ; the cavalry has been generally estimated at three hun- 
dred ; allowing the artillery to make two hundred, it will bring the British force 
nearly to two thousatid; probably the real miiiiber at Guilford court-house. 
Lieutenant colonel iiamilton, with his own regiment, one hundred infantry of 
the line, and twenty dragoons, was lelt with the baggage sent otf on the evening 
of the I4th to Bell's mill. The British force in toto may be put down at two 
thouE.ind four bundled : one hundred less than it was when lord Cornwallis de- 
stroyed his baggage at Ramsour's mill, notwithstanding the companies of infantiy 
raiKed while he lay at Hillsborough and other small accessions. See Appendix, 
S and S 

t We shall here relate an anecdote of the late captain Maynard, of the 
guards. He was naturally of a cheerful disposition and great hilarity, and in 
several actions during the course of the war, he had shown great gallantry ; but 
a certain presentiment of his fate on the day of the action at Guilford possessed 
his mind, which presenticnent wag too fatally realized. While the troops were 
marching to form the line of battle, he became gloomy, and gave way to despon- 
dency. Not less than two or three times did he tell colonel Norton, who com- 
mandad the battalion, that he felt himself very uncomfortable, and did not like 
the business at all. Colonel, now the honourable major general Norton, endea- 



Southern Department of the United States, 1 79 

land, Srlmtz, Peler, and lord Dtinglas, with several sulcdlerns, were 
wounded; as were caplains Wilmonsky and Eichenbrodt, of the re- 
giment ofBose, with live subalterns. 

Our lofis was very disproportionate ;* only fourteen officers and 
three hondred and twelve, rank and file, of the continental troops 
killed, wounded and missinj;. As few prisoners were made, it is 
probable tliat those returned as niis-inic were killed. Auiong the 
first was major Anderson, of the regiment of M iryland, much es- 
teemed and highly regretted ; with captain and three su- 
balterns. Among the last was general Ilu2;er, commanding the Vir- 
ginia brigade. Our loss of militia was still less. The 'our captains 
************ 

and seventeen privates killed ; brigadier Stevens, major 

three captains, eight subalterns, and sixty privates, wounded. Ma- 
ny were missing, as is always the case with militia after battle ; but 
they generally are to be found safe at their own tiie sides. General 
Greene, after reaching Troublesome creek, arrayed himself again 
for battle ; so persuaded was he that the British general would fol- 
low up his blow, ind s > well satisfied with his own condition, though 
considerably reduced by the flight of the North Carolina militia, 
and by the voluntary and customary return of portions of that from 
Virginia. But the enemy was in no condition to advance. The 
name of victory was the sole enjoyment of the conqueror, the sub- 
stance belongt'd to the vanquished. Truly did the eloquent 
Fox exclaim in the British house of commons, " Another such vic- 
tory would destroy the British army." 

On no occasion, in any part of the v\'orld, was British valour 

vourcd to laugh him out of his nielancholy ideas, but in vain; for even after the 
cannonade began, he reiterated the forebodings of what he conceived was to 
happen Early in the action he received a wound in his leg. Unable to pro- 
ceed, he requested Mr. Wilson, the adjutant of the guards, to lend him his horse, 
that he might ride on with the battalion ; and when in the act of mounting, 
another shot went through his lungs, and incapacitated han from proceeding. 
After being conveyed in a litter to Wilmington, and there lingering a few days, 
he died of his wound, greatly regretted. — Stedman. 

Similar instances of fatal presentiment are on record ; among them that of 
general La Harpe, which is thus mentioned by Bonaparte in his Memoirs, I'vol. 
3, Montholon, pp. 209 and 10.) ''C'elaii un officier d'uue bravoure distingue. On 
a remarquc que, pendant le combat de Foinbo, tout le goir qui a precede sa 
niort, il avait 6te fort prenccupe, tres abattu, ne doiinant point d'ordres. prive, 
en quelque sort, de ses farultes ordinaires, tout a fait domine par un presenti- 
ment funeste.'" He was killed by a mistaken fire from his own pickets, while in 
command of an advanci-d division of the French army, just previous to the battle 
of Lodi, in May 1796. A similar anecdote is related of sir Thomas Picton at 
the battle of Waterloo. — Ed. 

* The disproportii-n in loss on this day is readily to be accounted for We 
had great ailvantage in the ground, and were sheltered in various points until the 
enemy approached very near; while he was uncovered, and exposed from his 
first step to his last. We had spent the previous day in ease, and the night in 
rest; he had been preparing during the day, and marching part of the night. 
V\^e were acquainted with wood and tree fighting; he ignorant of both. And 
lastly, we were trained to take aim and fire low, he was not so trained; and 
from tliis cause, or from the composition of his cartriilge, (too much powder for 
the lead) he always overshot. 



18d Memoirs of the War in the 

more heroically displayed. The officers of every grade did their 
duty ; and each corps surpassed its past, though arduous, exertions 
in this terrible contlict. But the advantage of ground, the weight 
of numbers, the skill of the general, and the determined courage 
of such portions of the American army as fought, presented obsta- 
cles not to be surmounted by inferior force. So maimed was the 
British army, that notwithstanding the flight of (he North Carolina 
militia, had the second regiment of Maryland acted like the first, 
little doubt can exist but that lord Cornwaliis musit have shared the 
fate on this day, which he experienced afterwards. Afflicting were 
the sensations of the British general when he looked into his own 
situation after the battle. Nearly a third of his force slaughtered ; 
many of his best officers killed or wounded ; and that victory for 
which he had so long toiled, and at length gained, bringing in its 
train not one solitary benefit. No body of loyalists crowding around 
his standards ; no friendly convoys pouring in supplies ; his wants 
pressing, and his resources distant. The night succeeding this day 
of blood was rainy, dark and cold : the dead unburied, the wound- 
ed unsheltered, the groans of the dying, and the shrieks of the 
living, cast a deeper shade over the gloom of nature. The victo- 
rious troops, without tents and without food, participated in sufier- 
ings which ihey could not relieve.* The ensuing morning was 
spent in performing the last offices to the dead, and in providing 
comfort for the wounded. In executing these sad duties, the Bri- 
tish general regarded with equal attention, friends and foes. As 
soon as this service was over, he put his army in motion for New 
Garden, where his rear guard, with his baggage, met him. All his 
wounded, incapable of movmg, (about seventy in number) he left 
to the humanity of general Greene. Here he issued a proclama- 
tion, depicting in strong colours the splendid victory obtained by 
the British array on the 15th ; and calling upon the liege subjects 
of his Britannic majesty to come forward at this important juncture, 
and contribute their nid in completing the restoration of that happy 
government, not less the object of their hearts, than the guard of 
their lives and property. This done, bis lordship proceeded on the 
18th, by easy marches, to Cross creek ; the centre of the Highland 
settlement, and convenient to Wilmington, then in possession of 
major Craig, as before mentioned, and the depot of supplies for 
the royal arrny. 

The retreat of the British general evinced, unequivocally, his 
crippled condition. No consideration, but conviction of his inabili- 
ty to improve the victory he had gained, would have deterred a 
general less enterprising than lord Cornwaliis, from giving full effect 
to the advantage his skill and courage had procured. Confident, 

* Fatigued as the British troops were, by a night march, and the late acti«n, 
after a small rest they were employed in collecting the wounded of both armies, 
which were indiscriminately taken the best care of the situation would admit; 
but having no tents, and the hou.ses being few, many ol both armies were ne- 
cessarily exposed to the deluge of rain, which fell during the night; and it was 
said, that not less than fifty died before morning. 



Southern Department of the United States, 18i 

as was genentl Greene, that his antagonist had suffered severely, 
he h id not conceived his situation to be so impolent as it now ap- 
pe ircd to be. Prepared to renew the combat, had the enemy 
sought it, he now determined to pursue the retiring foe, and bring 
him to action before he should gain his point of safety ;* but this 
resolution was unhappily for several days delayed through the want 
of ammunition, with which it was necessary first to supply himself. 
In the mean time he detached lieutenant colonel Lee with his le- 
gion, and (he militia rifle corps under Campbell, to hang upon the 
rear of the retreating general, lest the inhabitants of the region 
through which he passed might presume that our army had been 
rendered incapable of further resistance, and might flock to the 
royal standard. 

The advanced corps soon came up with the British army, which 
had proceeded very slowly, with a view of cherishing its numerous 
wounded by the collection of every comfort which the country 
afforded, as well as to avoid fatigue, which the debilitated state of 
the troops could not bear. Upon the appearance of the light 
troops, this system was in a degree abandoned ; lord Cornwallis 
conceiving it probable that the American army was not far in the 
rear, seeking battle, which his siluution now made him anxious to 
avoid. At length he reached Ramsay's mill, on Deep river, where 
he halted a Cew days to renew his humane exertions for the com- 
fort of his wounded, and to collect, if possible, provisions ; the 
country between this place and Cross creek being sterile and sparse- 
ly settled. During this delay his lordship threw a bridge over the 
river, by which he might readily pass as he moved down on its 
northern bank. Nothing material occurred between the adverse 
van and rear corps ; nor did the Biitish general even make any 
serious attempt to drive from his neighbourhood the corps of Lee ; 
so sorely did he continue to feel the effects of his dear bought 
victory. 

General Greene lost not a moment in moving from his camp on 
the Troublesome, after the arrival of his military stores ; and not- 
withstanding the inclemency of the weather and the deepness of 

* Mne 0^ clock, P. M. March ISih, 1781. 
Lieutenant colonel Lee — 

Dear Sir: I have this moment got your note. I am perfectly agreed with 
you in opinion, thai to attack the enemy on their march will be best. I have 
written to colonel Williams to that purpose. 

It will be next to impossible to get the militia to send away their horses. They 
are so attached to this mode of carrying on the war, that they will not listen to 
any other. Frequent attempts have been made without effect. However, we 
can try the experiment : sound some of the more sensible on the subject. My 
letter must be short, as I write in pain, 

Your affectionate, &c. 

N. GREENE. 



182 Memoirs of the War in the 

the roads, he pressed forward from day to day by forced marches ;* 
but interruptions, unavoidable, occasionally delayed his progress. 
When the quarter master general assumed the duties of his station 
at Guilford court house, as has been before remarked, all that de- 
partment of the army vvas entirely deranged ; and such had been 
the rapid succession of keen and active service, that with all his 
laborious application, he had not been able to introduce into full 
operation his own system, although he had contrived to afford the 
means of prompt motion to the army. New duties became, from 
the necessity of the case, connected with his department. Without 
money to purchase, the subsistence of the troops depended upon 
compulsory collection from the country through which the army 
marched ; and colonel Davie could with difficulty procure within 
one day enough for that day ; so that the general would be often 
obliged to extend or contract his march to correspond with the fluc- 
tuating supply of provisions. Our dithculties in this line were con- 
siderably increased, as the British army had preceded us ; and 
nothing but the gleanings of an exhausted country were left for our 
subsistence. To settlements which had from their distance escaped 
the British foraging parties, it became necessary for our commissa- 
ry general to resort ; and the conveyance to camp of supply when 
collected, devolved upon the quarter mnster general. 

Lieutenant colonel Carnngton shrunk not from this new duty ; 
and by his Z'?al and perseverence contributed greatly to remove an 
obstacle which had not only retarded the advance of Greene, but 
sometimes menaced the necessity of a temporary separation of his 
troops, by detaching them to different districts for the procurement 
of food. The usu.il method of providing magazines had been ne- 
cessarily avoided, inasmuch as the enemy, heretofore our supcior, 
would alone have received the benefit of such ariangement. Sur- 
mounting all impediments, Greene at length approached Ramsay's 
mill ; but not until lord Cornwallis h;<d completed his bridge. The 
American general, having informed lieutenant colanel Lee of the 
delays to which he was subjected, with directions to obstruct the 

* Headquarters, U o'clock, March 2\st, 1781. 
Lieutenant colonel Lee — 

Dear Sir : Your letter dated at New Garden, yesterday, has this moment 
come to hand. Our army marched ypsterday in the direct routp for Magee's 
Ordinary, near the head waters of Rocliy river, which will be twelve miles from 
Bell's mill. We expect to get about two or three miles beyond Passley to night. 
We have got provisions to draw, cartridges to make, and several other mailers 
to attend to, which will oblige us to halt a little earlier than common. 

I beg you will try to forward me the best intelligence you can get of the ene- 
my's situation this morning, and whether they move or not. 

I mean lo fight the enemy again, and wish you to have your legion and rifle- 
men ready for action on the shortest notice. If in the mean time you can at- 
tempt any thing which promises an advantage, put it in execution. Lord Corn- 
wallis must be soundly beaten before he will relinquish his hold. 

I am, dear sir, &c. 

NATHANIEL GREEXE. 



Southern Department of the United States, 1 83 

completion of the bridge, if practicable, — that officer moved from 
the rear of the enemy in the night, and taking a circuitous route, 
passed the river ten miles above the British position, with a deter- 
mination to dislodge the party stationed on its western side for the 
protection of that head of the bridge. This enterprise was deemed 
o{ easy execution ; as both the celerity of the movement and the 
darkness of the night prevented his lordship penetratmg the design* 
and as only two hundred ojen under a major constituted the 
guard. Defeating this body by a sudden blow, we might have, in a 
little time, by axes and tire, so far ilamaged the work, as to have 
produced one day's fuither halt, which would have afforded general 
Greene sutRcieut time to come up. But well timed as the march of 
the light corps was, which with much alacrity moved upon the detach- 
ment, the m;ijor having been reinforced in the course of the night, 
produced the abandonment of the enterprise. On the subsequent 
day the British general decamped ; and passing the river, took the 
route towards Cross creek. The legion of Lee, with the ritle 
corps of Campbell, entering into his late camp as the rear guard 
drew off, prevented the destruction of the bridge. On the subse- 
quent day, the 28th, general Greene reached Ramsay's mill ; hav- 
ing failed in his anxious wish to bring the British general to action, 
in consequence of waiting for ammunition, and the difficulty with 
which subsistence was obtained. 

It was in vam to persevere in pursuit, as the country through 
which the British general marched, until he reached Cross creek 
settlement, was so barren and thinly settled as to forbid every hope 
of obtaining the requisite supplies. Dismissing all his militia, ex- 
cept a small corps from North Carolina, Greene took the decision 
of reposing his wearied troops in this position, and preparing for 
the renewal of active service by arrangements tending to secure 
adequate subsistence. 

The campaign so far presents the undulation common to war. It 
opened with the victory of the Cowpens, — an event very propi- 
tious to the United States, which was followed by our perilous re- 
treat through North Carolina, when for many days the fate of 
Greene and his army hung in mournful suspense ; and after a grand 
display ';f military science in marches, countermarches and posi- 
tions, in consequence of the bold return of the American army 
into North Carolina, concluded with our defeat at Guilford court- 
house. Replenished in military stores, grown stronger by defeat, 
and bolder from disaster, the American general is now seen seeking 
with keener appetite a renewal of the conflict, while the British 
conqueror seduously and successfully avoids it. 

During this trying period, which closely occupied the respective 
generals, the claims of humanity were not un:ittended to. The 
establishment of a cartel, to operate as occasion might require, 
had long engaged the heart of Greene, and was not unacceptable 
to Cornwallis. The first was actuated, not only by his disposition 
to restore to their country our many prisoners, but to cancel obli- 
gations, which the inhabitants of the southern states deemed bind- 



ISJt Mertibirs of the War in the 

ing, though subversive of the duty which every citizen owes to 
his country. In the course of British success in South Carolinn, a 
usage prevailed of taking the paroles of the inhabitants in the man- 
ner practised often witli commissioned officers when prisoners. In 
consequence of this custom, the whole jjopulation in the conquered 
states continuing at home, because incapacitated from serving against 
the enemy : a condition so agreeable to the harassed, the wavering, 
and the timid, as to be sought with solicitude, and preserved with 
zeal. Greene determined in his negotiations for the exchange of 
prisoners to abrogate obligations resulting from a practice entirely 
jnadmissable. He consequently instructed his commissioner, lieu- 
tenant colonel Carrington, to repel the recognition of this perni- 
cious and unwarrantable usage, by urging the incapability of an in- 
dividual to renounce his social obligations by contract with the en- 
emy, unless sanctioned by a public otFicer. The honourable cap- 
tain Broderick, aid de camp to e^sr! Cornwallis, being appointed on 
the part of his lordship, met Carrington on the 12th of March ; 
when, after comparing their credentials, the object of (he meeting 
was taken up. It was soon discerned, that the article respecting 
private paroles, enjoined on his commissioner by general Greene, 
had introduced an unexpected principle ; and being not contempla- 
ted by the British commander, his commissioner was not preparet- 
to decide upon it. 

Carrington and Broderick agreed therefore to separate for the 
present, and to meet again as soon as lord Cornwallis should make 
up his decision upon the proposition submitted. 

The battle of Guilford following three days after, the negotiation 
became postponed ; nor was it resumed until the 1 itter end of April; 
when lieutenant colonel Carrington, and captain Cornwallis, of the 
thirty-third, (substituted for Broderick) entered upon it with a dis- 
position, by mutual concessions, to conclude the long spun discus- 
sion, it was, after some time, happily accomplished ; Carringtoa 
having engrafted in the cartel (he following clause : " That no non- 
commissioned officer or private, admitted to parole, shall be consi- 
dered as a prisoner of war, but finally liberated, unless admitted, 
to such parole on the faith of some commissioned othcer." The 
proceedings of (he commissioners were ratified by the respective 
generals, and a general exchange of prisoners soon after took 
place. 

Lord Cornwallis halted at Cross creek, where staying a few days, 
the friendly Highland settlement zealously contributed from its small 
stock, every thing necessary for his army which the district alford- 
cd. Decamping, he proceeded to Wilmington ; to which place he 
was obliged to go contrary to his oiiginal plan ; because he found 
the country about Cross creek loo poor to subsist him ; and because 
his troops were suffering for many necessaries to be obtained only 
in his abundant magazines at Wilmington. 

During the march from Cross creek, several of the Briti.*h oflS- 
cers died of their wounds received at Guilford courthouse. Among 
them were lieutenant colonel Websterj of the thirty-third, and 



Southern Department of the United Slates. 185 

captain Maynard, * of the guards. The first escaped, as we have 
before seen, unhurt, when crossing the Reedy fork on horse back, 
in lace of a chosen party of marksmen, devotmg their undivided 
attention to his destruction ; and the last was that otJicer, who, by 
his conversation with his conjmandant, lieutenant colonel Norton, 
on the eve of the battle, so strongly manifested a presentinieut of 
. his fate. 

To be first among the officers in the army under lord Cornwallis, 
must be admitted to be no slight distinction ; and this station had 
«i)een long assigned with one voice to the gallant Webster. To this 
superiority in arms was combined the winning amiability which 
virtue in heart, and virtue in habit, never fail to produce, especially 
when united to the embellishment of literature and the manners 
of polished life. Such a loss was deeply and sincerely deplor- 
ed. His body was committed to the grave with every honour and 
attention, accompanied with tears of admiration and affection, in 
the small villag^of Elizabethtown, where he died. 

Lieutenant colonel 'J'arleton, in his Campaigns, very handsomely 
depicts his worth, when he declares, that he " united all the vir- 
tues of civil life, to the gallantry and professional knowledge of a 
soldier ;" and lord Cornwallis has left an imi)erishable monument 
in his letter to the father of the deceased, (so long as the tenderest 
feeling of sorrow, expressed in language, which can only flow from 
the heart, shall be admired) of his unrivalled respect for the de- 
parted hero : — " it gives me great concern to undertake a task, 
which is not only a bitter renewal of my own grief, but must be a 
violent shock to an affectionate parent. 

" You have for your support, the assistance of religion, good 
sense, and the experience of the uncertainty of human happiness. 
You have for your satisfaction, that your son fell nobly in the cause 
of his country, honoured and lamented by all his fellow soldiers ; 
that he led a life of honour and virtue, which must secure to him 
everlasting hai)piness. 

" When the keen sensibility of the passions begin to subside, 
these considerations will give you real comfort. That the Almighty 
may give you fortitude to bear this severest of strokes, is the ear- 
nest wish of your companion in affliction." 

All who know the value of friendship will feel in their own breasts 
how much lord Cornwallis must have been affected by the loss of 
Webster. Bred up under him, the lieutenant colonel commandant 
of the thirty-third (Cornwallis's regiment,) every opportunity, with 
full time, had been afforded for thorough mutual understanding of 
character. Alike virtuous, amiable and intrepid, mutual affection 
had reared upon the foundation of their hearts a temple sacred to 
honour and to friendship. 

Throughout six campaigns the public service derived from lieu- 
tenant colonel Webster those signal benefits which never fail to result 
from the friendship of men high in station and in genius. Introduc- 

•"SteHmtn says captain M. died at Wilmington. See note, p. 356 ante.— Ed« 
24 



1 86 Memoirs of the War in the 

«(] by his illiislrious friend to posts of difficulty and consequence, he 
dre > upon himself, by his exemphiry discharge of duty, universal 
admiration. At Qtiibbleiown, in New Jersey, during the eventful 
winter of 177G — 7, he comrniuided on the line of communication be- 
tween Brunswick and New York, and preserved it safe in spite of 
the many attempts to break up his defences. In 1779 he had charge 
ot the post at Verplank's Point : which was comprehended in gene- 
ral Washington's plan of operation?, when Stony Point was carried. 
On the ensumg morning the batteries from this eminence, overlook- 
ing Webster, were turned upon him, and afforded an unexpected 
and weighty assistance to the assailant. Nevertheless, such was the 
circumspection and sagacity With which he had taken his measures, 
that af'teraclose examination of his situation, it was deemed advisa- 
ble to withdraw our force, though ready for assault. 

In the yet bleeding disaster of Camden, Webster commanded the 
right wing of the enemy's army ; exhibiting with splendid success 
the presenti-e of mind, atul the discriminating judgment, tor which he 
was conspicuous. And in the late, his last field, he commanded the 
left wing, and upheld, in full lustre, his eminent fame. 

Lord Cornwallis arrived at Wilmington on the 7th of April, where 
he found major Craig wiih his small garrison — perfectly secure, by 
his judicious defences, from injury or insult, and holdmg in his care 
abundant magazines, yielding not only every implement necessary 
for the further prosecution of the campaign, but affording in profu- 
sion all the comforts of food, raiment and liquor, to his worn and 
faithful troops. Indulging himself yet with the hope that his expul- 
sion of Greene out of that state, followed up by his victory at Guil- 
ford court ho'ise, would rouse into action his numerous friends, he 
continued to arge, by every inducement, the consummation of his 
wishes. But, taught by the correction of experience, deliberation 
and caution, the loyalists could not be induced to unite in the British 
construction of the events of the campaign. They knew that, 
though driven out of the state, general Greene had speedily return- 
ed ; they knew that, though vanquished at Guilford court-house, 
he had shortly turned upon his enemy : and they were not strangers 
to the eager pursuit arrested but a few days past by the impractica- 
bility of procuring subsistence. 

With these truths before them, self-love forced the repression of 
their zeal ; and the unceasing vigilance of government* confirmed 

* The British writers speak in very severe terms of the cruelties inflicted by 
the state authorities, and individuals unchecked by government, on the loyalists. 
The state government was not cruel, although extremely vigilant ; and this stig- 
ma being unfounded, ought to be repelled. 1 select two of the many presumed 
illustrations, which might be produced, of tins erroneous, though accredited, ac- 
cusation. Mr. Stedman tells us, that in the course of his dutv he fell in with a 
very sensible quaker in North Carolina, " who being interrogated about the 
state of the country, replied, that it was the genera] wish of the people to be 
united to Britain ; but as they had been so often deceived in promises of support, 
and the British had so frequently relinquished posts, the people were now afraid 
to join the British army, lest they should leave the province; in which case the 
xesremment of the revoluiioners would be exercised with more cruelty :— that al- 



Southern Department of the United States. 187 

the salutar}' decision. The British ijeiiRPiil found himself complete- . 
ly disappomted, after :ili his toil ami all his danger. They would 

though they might escape or go with the armj, yet such was the diabolical con- 
duct of the peojjle, that they woulrl inflict ilie seveiett punishment upon their 
families. Perliaps*, said tlie quaker, thou art not iicquainied with tl.e conduct 
of thy enemies towards those vvlio wish Vv'ell to tlie cause iliou art engaged in. 
Theie are some who have liv&d for two and even lliiee j'ears in the woods with- 
out daring to go to their houses, but have been secretly sujipoited by their famiv 
lies. Others, having w^ijked out of their houses on a promise of their being safe, 
have proceeded but a few yards before they have been shot. Otheishave been 
tied to a tree and severely wliipped. I will tell thee of one instance of cruelty. 
A party surrounded the house of a loyalist; a few entered j the man and his 
wife were in bed : the husband was shot dead by the side o( iiis wife. The wri- 
ter of this replied, that tliose circumstances were horrid ; but under what govern- 
ment could they be so liappy as by enjoying the privileges of En^lijhmen, True, 
said the quaker; but the people have experienced such dit-tress, that 1 believe 
they would submit to any government in the world to obtain peace." Mr. Sted- 
man assures us that his friend, the quaker, was a man of irreproachable man- 
ners, and well known as such to some genilenien of tlie Bniisli army. But to 
confirm this tale, he adds another, which he states as known lo the whole army. 
" A gentleman, slill residing in North Carolina, and therefore his nan)e is con- 
cealed, reported that the day before the British army reached Cross creek, a man 
bent with age joined it. He had scarcely the appearHnce of being human. He 
wore the skin of a racoon for his hat, his beard was some inclies long, and he was 
so thin that he looked as if he hail made his escape from Surgeon's hall. He 
wore no shirt; his whole dress being skins of different animals. On the morning 
after, when this distressed man came to draw his provisions, Mr. Price, the de- 
puty muster master general of the provincial forces, and the commissary, asked 
him several questions. He said that he had lived for three years in the woods, 
under ground ; that he had been fiequenlly sought after by the Americans, and 
was certain of instant death whenever he should be taken. That he supported 
himself by what he got in the woods; that acorns seived him for bread; that 
they had from long use become agreeable to him. I'hat he had a family, some 
of whom, once or twice in the year, came to him in the woods. That his only 
crime was being a loyalist, and having given ofl'ence to one of the republican Iead« 
ers in that part of the country where he used to reside.'' 

It excites in my mind all the surpiise which Mr. Stedman must have felt when 
he heard these tales, on reading them from his pen. He believed in their truth, 
I am sure, or he would not hnve recorded them ; yet it seems to me, to require a 
stock of credulity not conniion to soldiers t'l have seriously regarded either the 
quaker or the escaped tenant from Surgeon's hall, Sup]iose Mr. Stedman had 
doubted for a moment, and the odd tale warranted at least a pause before belief; 
suppose in this moment of doubt he had asked the quaker, " How came it, that 
when for two years we have had a post at Camden, and for months another at 
Cheraw hills, (both convenient to the district in which iVIr. Stedman held this 
conversation ;) that last year the British head-quarters were at (Jliailoue, and 
this year lord Cornwallis had traversed the state ; how came it that the outly- 
ing, maltreated loyalists did not resort lo one of the points of safety so near to 
them ? The same patience and caution which secured them from discovery, lying 
out in the woods for years, could not have failed to secuie safe passage to some 
one of our posts, which required but a few days.'' 

To this query the quaker would have replied, " Why really, friend, I cannot 
say; but I assure thee, that I have told thee precisely what was currently re- 
ported.'' If further pressed, the sensible quaker would have added, "I never 
believed it myself; and I wonder how thou canst take it so seriously." 

There is a feature in the quaker's tale, which lieutenant colonel Webster 
would not have misunderstood, had the conversation been addressed to him. It 
is his bitter sarcasm on British operations, when accounting for the cautious con- 



188 Memoirs of the War in the 

occasionally visit his camp, and renew their protestations of attach- 
ment ; but no ai1dition.il regiment could be formed.; nor could even 
Hamilton's North Carolina corps, with all bis address and intluence, 
be restored to its complement ; so unpropitious in the opinion of 
the loyalists had been the result of the late active and sanguinary 
operations. 

While the British army was enjoying the stores which the provi- 
dence of its leader had prepared tor its use, general Greene con- 
tinued in his camp at Ramsay's mill. Equally afleclionate and equal- 
duct of the loyalists. He speaks of '* deception in piromise," and " relinquish- 
ment of posts.'' Mr. Stedman seems to have given no attention to this just ad- 
monition; but is entirely engrosised with the accusation levelled against the 
Annerican people; which was nothing more than a report; as the quakor does 
not say, (the interrogation being omitted by Mr. Stedman,) that he knew any of 
the particulars stated by him, from his own knowledge. It appears evident to 
me, that tlie defamation was only meant as a pleasing supplement to the philip- 
pic he had ventured to pronounce agiinst the conduct of the war. The quaker 
goes on to add, that a husband was shot in bed with liis wife. Such a thing is 
possible, but very improbable, and entirely repugnant to the American character, 
which is tender and respectful to the fair sex. It would not have been difficult 
for the party to have taken the individual off tn a fit place for their purpose, and 
thus to have spared their own as well as the feelings of an innocent voman. 
But here again we find the quakor does not assert it from his own knowledge ; 
and yet it is ushered to the world as a truth. To a Briton, who should ticcredit 
this fab!e, I answer, that we are descended with his countrymen from one stock ; 
that he would not believe such stuff told upon an Englishman, and that he ought 
not to believe it when applied to an American. We have not degenerated by 
transplantation, notwithstanding .Mr. Buffon's reveries, as our short history testi- 
fies. 

The second anecdote fits so exactly tlie first, that I should treat it as a fabri- 
cation, made to aid the quaker, but for my just respect for the character of Mr. 
Stedman. Considering it as a real occurrence, I have no doubt but that the un- 
happy being was deranged. Recollect that he joined the army the day before it 
reached Cross creek, the centre of an extensive settlement of Highlanders, by 
Mr Stedman's own authority devoted to the royal cause. His weak state of 
body forbad long travel ; and his singular dress exposed him to notice and detec- 
tion if his journey to camp had been from a distance. It clearly results that tlifi 
Surgeon's hnll tenant had been in the vicinity or in the midst of the Highland set- 
tlement; and yet from lunacy, I presume, he preferred the solitude of a cavern 
and the food of acorns to the hospitable fare which distressed loyalists were sure 
to receive from the Highland emigrants. 

Who cnn believe that a being thus acting possessed his senses.' No rational 
unprejudiced man can so believe. But why did not Mr. Stedman give us the 
name and plac« of residence of this miserable.' Secrecy in this case was un- 
necessary; and the fallacy of the accusation might readily have been con- 
fronted with legal testimony. The fact is, that tiie constitution of the southern 
people is warmer than tint of their northern brethren, or of their late enemy ; 
consequently the war in some parts of Georgia and the Carolinas was conducted 
with great bitterne<;s among the inhabitants, and some tragical scenes took place •■ 
on both sides. These uere, howpver, confined to a few neighbourhoods, and to 
n few instances. But the dcineannr of the mass of tiie people was kind and for- 
giving, the policy ofcoiigre.^s and of the slate governments humane, and the con- 
duct of the army amiable. Seldom, during the war, was even retaliation resort- 
ed to, though ofif n menaced ; and surely it cannot be pretended that we had rot 
ample oppoitiinity to gratify such menace if it had comported with our disposi- 
tion. This discufs^ion proceeds from a desire to vindicate the national character 
from unjust detraction. 



Southern Department of the United States. 189 

\y provident, he could not present to his much loved troops refit- 
oients and • efreshments so much wanted. No magazines were open- 
ed for our accommodation ; rest to our wearied limbs was the only 
boon within his gift. Ourtattered garments could notbe exchanged ; 
nor could our worn-out shoes be replaced. The exhilarating cor- 
dial was not s.ithin his reach, nor wholesome provision in abundance 
within his grasp The meager beef of the pine barrens, with corn 
ash cake, was our food, and water our drink ; yet we were content j 
we were mere than content — we were happy. The improved con- 
diti'^n of the South, effected by our efforts, had bestowed the solace 
of inward satisfaction on our review of the past ; and experience of 
the lofty genius of our beloved leader, encouraged proud anticipa- 
tions of the future. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

J[T has been before observed, that the British cabinet, despairing 
of the suhjdgaiion of the United States, had changed its plan of 
operations, in the expectation of wresting from the Union its rich* 
est though weakest division. 

In piirsnaiice of this system, the breaking up of Virginia waf 
deemed of primary importance, and to this object sir Henry Clinton 
devoted all his disposable force. It will be remembered, that gen- 
eral Mathews, with a small detachment, in 1779, laid waste the sea- 
board of the state; d- stroying, or transporting to New York, a 
large quantity of nnval and military stores, besides private proper- 
ty ; and that a sub'?equent expedition under major general Leslie 
had taken place, which was soon .ibandoned, in consequence of the 
derangement which occurred in the plans of lord Cornwallis by 
the defeat and death of lieutenant colonel Ferguson. 

The British commander in chief, pursuing steadily this favourite 
object, prepared, as soon as it was practicable, a third expedition 
for that devoted country. It consisted only of one thousand six 
hundred men, and was placed under the direction of brigadier gen- 
eral Arnold ; who, preferring wealth with ignominy, to poverty 
with honour, had lately deserted from the service of his country, 
having been detected in the infamous attempt to betray West Point, 
with the care of which fortress he was then entrusted. The ob- 
ject being devastation and plunder, sir Henry Clinton could not 
have made a more appropriate selection : but when we consider 
the nice feelings inherent in soldiership, he ran no inconsiderable 
risk of alienating the affections of his army, by honouring a traitor, 
with the command of British troops. Mortifying as was this ap- 
pointment to many, it seems that the British officers determined to 
submit in silence, lest their opposition might delsy, if not prevent, 
an expedition deemed necessary by their commander in chief. Ar- 
nold, foul with treason to his country, and with treachery to hit 



1 90 Memoirs of the War in the 

friend, escaped from the probable consequence of a well digested 
plan laid by Washington for his seizure, which had advanced almost 
to the point of consummation, when he removed from his quarters 
to prepare for the expedition to Virginia. He was accidentdly 
withdrawn from surrounding conspirators ready, on the night of 
that very day, to seize bis person, anti convey him across the North 
river to Hoboken, wisere they would have been met by a detach- 
ment of dragoons, for (he purpose of conveying the traitor to head- 
quarters. Thomas Jefferson still continued at the head of the gov- 
ernment : a gentleman who had taken an early and distinguished 
part in the revolution, highly respected for his literary accomplish- 
ments, and as highly esteemed for his amiability and modesty. Gen- 
eral Greene, when passing to the south through Richmond, had left, 
as has been mentioned, major general baron Steuben in command 
in Virginia. 

Early in December, the governor was informed, by letter from 
the commander in chief, of the preparations in New York for an 
expedition to the south ; but neither the governor nor the baron 
seems to have acted under this communication, presuming, probably, 
that the detachment making ready in New York was destined for 
.South Carolina, to reinforce the British force under lord Cornwal- 
lis. It would appear, that a due recollection of the preceding at- 
tempts upon Virginia, with the knowledge that as long as that state 
could hold safe its resources, so long would resistance in (he south 
be maintained, ought to have admonished the governor and (he gen- 
eral to prepare, at once, means to meet the invasion, should it be 
directed against that quarter. General Arnold's prepara(ions were 
slow ; for the British had not yet relinquished their apprehensions 
that the count de Terney, commanding the French squadron at 
Rhode Island, would receive from the West indies a reinforcement 
that would give him such a naval superiority as to endanger any 
maritime expedition of theirs. In November this apprehension 
ceased, and about the middle of the next month (he convoy with 
the expedition left the Hook. After a tedious passage, it reached 
the Chesapeake on the 30th, when was felt the fatal effect of omitting 
timely preparations to defend the country. The governor detach- 
ed general Nelson to the coast, as soon as he was informed of the 
entrance of the enemy into the bay, for the purpose of bringing 
the militia into the field ; while baron Steuben, believing Peters- 
burg, the depot for the southern army, to be the object, hastened 
his continental force, about two hundred recruits, to that town. 
Arnold, embarking his troops in the lighter vessels, proceeded up 
James river, and on the fourth of January approached City Point, 
situated at the confluence of the Appomatox with James river. It 
was now evident, and, indeed, a little reflection would have before 
demonstrated, that the lower country was not the primary object 
with the enemy. Mathews, in his incursion, had deprived the state 
of the contents of her arsenals in that quarter ; and had our ability 
permitted their renewal, prudence would have forbidden the collec- 
tion of articled of value in spots so accessible. As soon, therefore.. 



Southern Department of the United States, 191 

«9 the governor and general learned that the squadron had cast 
anchor in Hampton Roads, (however hope may heretofore hav© 
prevailed over vigilance,) due reflection would have shown, that 
Richmond or Petersburg, or both, were (he probable destination of 
this small armament, more formidable from the suddenness of its 
approach, than its force. It is true that the honourable and con- 
tinued efforts to support the southern states, had exhausted much of 
the resources of Virginia ; yet she possessed enough, more than 
enough, to have sustained the struggle for their restoration, and to 
have crushed any predatory adventure like that conducted by Arnold. 
But unfortunately we were unprepared, and efforts to make ready 
commenced after the enemy was knocking at our doors. The go- 
vernment, which does not prepare in time, doubles the power of 
its adversary, and sports with the lives of its citizens ; for to re- 
cover lost ground, when the required force becomes ready, com- 
pels resort to hazardous enterprise, sometimes ruinous by disap- 
pointment, always debilitating by the prodigal expense of blood and 
treasure. 

Upon this occasion, the celerity of the enemy's advance, however 
unequivocally it exemplified the first, furnished no illustration of 
the last part of the remark. 

On the fourth of January, Arnold debarked at Westover, the seat 
of Mrs. Byrd, relict of colonel Byrd, the honourable associate of 
Washington, in defence of the frontiers of Virginia against the In- 
dian enemy, then guided and aided by France. This step, though' 
indecisive, from the facility with which the conveyance derived 
from naval co- operation admitted him to withdraw to the southern 
banks of the river, in case Petersburg had been his principal object, 
gave serious alarm to the governor and general. Now, for the first 
time, they discovered that the seat of government was to receive a- 
visit from Arnold ; and now they ascertained, that although general 
Nelson had been sent below, and the militia commandants had been 
summoned to furnish aid from above, yet the postponement of com- 
mencing preparations on the receipt of the letter of advice from 
general VVashington, to the hour of the enemy's arrival in Chesa- 
peake bay, had left them, the archives of the state, its reputation, 
and all the military stores deposited in the magazines of the metro- 
polis, at the mercy of a small corps conducted by a traitor, who, 
feeling the rope about his neck tightening in every step he ad- 
vanced, would have hastened to his naval asylum the moment he 
saw the probability of adequate resistance. Yet for the want of 
due preparation on the part of the invaded state, nine hundred 
British troops, with Arnold at their head, dared to leave their ships, 
and advance to Richmond, twenty-five miles distant from their place 
of safety. It will scarcely be credited by posterity, that the gov- 
ernor of the oldest state in the Union, and the most populous, (tak- 
ing for our calculation the ratio established by the present constitu- 
tion of the United States to designate the number o{ representa- 
tives allowed to each state,) was driven out of its metropolis, and 
forced to secure personal safety by flight, aad that its archives. 



192 Memoirs of the War in the 

with all its munitions and stores, were yielded to the will of the 
invader, with the exception of a few, which accident, more than 
precaution, saved from the common lot. Incredible as the narra- 
tive will appear, it is nevertheless true. 

On the fifth of January, Arnold entered Richmond, untouched 
by the small collection of militia detached to interrupt his advance ; 
and on the following day lieutenant colonel Simcoe, one of the best 
officers in the British army, proceeded at the head of his corps of 
rangers, horse and foot, supported by a detachment from the line, 
to Westham, and there destroyed the only cannon foundery in the 
state. Here, unluckily, the public stores removed from Richmond 
in the perturbation excited by the novel appearance of British bat- 
talions, had been deposited : the last spot which ought to have been 
selected ; as the most common reflection ought to have suggested 
the probability that the enemy in Richmond, safe as he was, would 
never retire until he had destroyed an important military establish- 
ment so near as Westham. Making it a place of additional deposit, 
was therefore increasing the inducement for its destruction. 

Simcoe, having fully executed his mission, undisturbed by even 
a single shot, returned to Richmond, where devastation had been 
extended under Arnold's direction, until even his greedy appetite: 
was cloyed, and his revengeful heart sated. Having spread desola- 
tion all around, the brigadier decamped, and on the 7th returned to 
Westover, without meeting even the semblance of resistance. Our 
militia were now assembling : brave men, always willing to do their 
duty, never brought to understand how best to execute it, never 
properly equipped, or judiciously conducted. 

Some few unfortunately assembled at Charles City court-house, 
in conformity to orders from government, not more than eight or 
nine miles from Westover Simcoe hearing of it, put his corps in 
motion and soon dispersed them, happily with very little loss, in 
consequence of the impatience of the enemy, who omitted some 
of those precautions necessary to secure complete success. The 
object was trivial, or this superior soldier would have conducted 
his enterprise with the proper forecast and circumspection.* 

*This officer commanded a legionary corps called the Queen's Rangers, 
and had during the war signalized himself upon various occasions. He was a 
man of letters, and like the Romans and Grecians, cultivated science amid the 
turmoil of camp. He was enterprising, resolute, and persevering ; weighing 
well his project before entered upon, and promptly seizing every advantage 
which offered in the course of execution. General Washington expecting a 
French fleet upon our coast in 1779, 80, and desirous of being thoroughly 
prepared for moving upon New York, in case the combined force should war- 
rant it, had made ready a number of boats, which were placed at IVIiddJebrook, 
a small village up the Raritan river, above Brunswick. Sir Henry Clinton 
being informed of this preparation, determined to destroy the boats. The en- 
terprise was committed to lieutenant colonel Simcoe. He crossed from New 
York to Elizabethtown Point with his cavalry, and setting out after night, ha 
reached Midctlebrook undiscovered and unexpected. Having executed his ob- 
ject, he baffled all our efforts to intercept him on his return, by taking a circui- 
tous route. Instead of turning towards Perth Amboy, which was supposed to 
bf the most probable course, keepings the Raritan on his right, he passed that 



Southern Department of the United States. 1 93 

Nothing retnuiDing to be done, Arnold re-embarked on the 10th, 
and descending tlie river, landed delachnienls occasionally, ihv (he 
purpose of destro^'inj; whiilcver could be discovered worthy of his 
attention. At Smitlifield, and at Mackay's mill, were found some 
public stores ; these shared the fate of tliose in Richmond and at 
Westham. On the 20th, the British detaciiment reached Ports- 
mouth, where general Arnold commenced delences indicating the 
intention of rendering it a perntanent s(ation. 

Major general Steuben, h iving under him the indefatigable patriot 
and soldier general Nelson, had by this time drawn together a con- 
siderable body of militia, in cousei|iience of the exertion of the 
governor. With all who were armed* the baron followed Arnold ; 
and at Hood's, lieutenant colonel Clarke,! by a well concerted 
stratagem, allured Simcoe to pursue a small party exposed to view, 
with the expectation of drawing him into an ambuscade, prepared 
for his reception. Judiciously as the scheme was contrived, it was 

river, taking the direction towards Monmouth county, leaving Brunswick some 
miles to his left. Here was stationed a body of militia, wlio being apprized 
(it being now day) of tiie enemy's proximity, made a daring effort to stop him, 
but failed in the attempt. Sinicoe, bringing up the rear, had his horse liilled, 
by which accident he was made prisoner. The cavalry, deprived of their leader, 
continued to press forward under the second in command, still holding the route 
to English town. As soon as the militia at Brunswick moved upon the enemy, 
un express was despatched to lieutenant colonel Lee, then posted in the neigh- 
bourhood of English town, waiting for the expected arrival of the French fleet, 
advising him of this extraordinary adventure. 

The legion cavalry instantly advanced towards the British horse; but not- 
withstanding the utmost diligence was used to gain the road leading to South 
Amboy (which now was plainly the object) before the enemy cnuld reach it, 
the American cavalry did not effect it. Nevertheless the pursuit was CJ)ntinu- 
ed, and the legion horse came up with the rear soon after a body of infantry 
sent over to South Amboy from Staten Island by sir Henry Clinton to meet 
Simcoe, had joined, and gave safety lo the harassed and successful foe. 

Tliis enterprise was considered, by both armies, among the handsomest ex- 
ploits of the war. Simcoe executed completely his object, then deemed very 
important; and traversed the country, from Elizabethtown Point to South Am- 
boy, fifty-five miles, in the course of the night and morning ; passing through a 
most liostile region of armed citizens ; necessarily skirting Brunswick, a military 
station ; proceeding not more than eiglit or nine miles from the legion of Lee, 
his last point of danger, and which became increased from the debilitated con- 
dition to which bis tioops were reduced by previous fatigue. What is very ex- 
traordinary, lieutenant colonel Simcoe being obliged to feed once in the course 
of the night, stopped at a depot of forage collected for the continental army, 
assumed the character of Lee's cavalry, waked up the commissary about mid- 
night, drew the customaiy allowance of forage, and gave the usual vouchers, 
signing the name of the legion quarter-master, without heing discovered by the 
American forage commissary or his assistants. The dress of both corps was 
the same, green coatees and leather breeches; yet the success of the stratagem 
is astonishing. 

* Arnold was practically acquainted with the dilatoriness attendant on mili- 
tia movements ; and finding, on his arrival in the state, that no preparations lor 
defence had been made, or even ordered, he determined to avail himself ot the 
supineness of the government, and by taking the first fair wind to approach 
within one day's march of Richmond, possess himself of il, and destioy the 
arms ; which were then useless for want of men, as now men had become use« 
less for want of arms. A well conceived and well executed project. 

t George Russel Clarke, the Hannibal of the west. — Ed. 
25 



194 Memoirs of the War in the 

marrefl in the execution, by the precipitution with which the tnilitia 
abaniloned their post, atter discharging one tire. Simcoe lost a few 
men, and deetninii; puisiiit useless, retired to the squudroti. 

Recurring to the past scene, we find that the British general en- 
tered the Chesapeake on the 30th of December ; that he took pos- 
session of Richmond on the 5th of Jatjuary, ninety miles from 
Hampton Roads, destroying all the public stores there and at West- 
ham, with such private property as was useful in war ; that he 
reached Portsmouth on the 20th, spreading devastation as he des- 
rf^ded the river, whert>ver any object invited his attenti> n ; and 
thi^t during this daring and destructive expedition, he never was se- 
riously oppo-ed at any one point. 

What must posterity tUuik of th -ir ancestors, when they read 
these truths ! Had not the war detnonstrated beyond doubt that the 
present ifeneration posse>sed it-* share of courage and love of coun- 
tjy, we should have been pronounced destitute of these distinguish- 
ed characteristics. Tliere was, in fact, no detiiieucy of inclination 
or ze.il (unequal as was the contest) in our militia to advance upoQ 
the foe ; but there was a fatal want of preparation, of military ap- 
paratus, and of system. 

Abouudiug in the tiuest horses, and our citizens among the best 
riders m the world, no regular corps of hor-e hiul been provided 
for state defence ; althougij the face of our country, intersected in 
every quarter by navigable rivers unprotected by floating batteries 
and undefended by I'orls, ma.iifesied the propriety of resorting to 
this species of defence, as better calculated than any other within 
our comtnand, to curb the desultory incursions, under which we 
h.id so often and severely suffered. 

One single legionary corps of three hundred horse and three 
h :i:idr«d musketry, with a battalion of mounted riflemen, accom- 
panied !)y a battalion of iufautry, umier a soldier of genius, would 
have been amply sulficient to preserve the state from insults and 
injuries ; aud as this body might have been conveyed with the 
despatch of horse, by double mounting, it would in some degree 
have duninislii^d the disadvantage we laboured under from the facil- 
ity and ubiqaity of our navigation. Such a fjrce might readily have 
been made up by drafts iVom t;ie militia, and, being devoted to local 
defence, m my would have enlisted to avoid more distant service. 
Throughout the state were intersperced officers, bred under 
Washington, compelled to turn away from the tield of battle, be- 
cause our diminished number of ra.ik and tile rendered a propor- 
tionate diminution in officers incumbent : they were devoted to the 
great cause lur which they had fought, and with alacrity would 
have rallied round the standard of their country, whenever sum- 
moned by government. In the manner suggested, the common- 
wealth might have been held untouched, and our military stores, 
so much wanted, and so hard to obtain, would have been secured. 
Indeed when known in New York, that such means of defence 
were provided, no attempt like that entrusted to Arnold would have 
been projected ; and sir Henry Clinton, not having itin his pow^r 



Southern Department of the United States. 1 95 

to fpare large divisions of hia force, these injurious and debii!?ing 
incursions would not have taken place. Never in ihe course of the 
war was a more alhiring oppoitunity presented for honourable en- 
terprise, with so fair a prospect of success. 

Had (he governor (ortuuately prepared, on receipt of general 
Washington's letter early in December, six or seven hundred militia 
from the neighbourhood of Richmond and Petersburg, beiiit; the only 
two places within the stale possessing objects wbicii could altrart 
the British aimatnent, well directed effojts against Arnold, as soon 
as he approached Rockets's, would have saved Kichmoiid and West- 
ham ; and D:ight have terminated in the capture of the traitor and 
the destructioii of his detachment. 

The posiiioii at Ko<;ket9's is strong, and peculiarly adapted for 
militia : tt)e enemys light flank beirtg exposed, as soon as his front 
crossed the creek, to a sudden assault from the main force posted 
along the rivulet and upon the heights, while the houses lu liout 
gave defences from which it would not be very easy to dislodge an 
inferior force determined to do its duly. Opposition in this quarter 
would have stopped the invader. The country through which he 
must retreat {'resents three points where he might have been ad- 
vantageously assailed. The first at Four Mile creek, where the 
ground not only affords powerful aid to the assailant, but is exactly 
suitable to the Americans, who understand passing with facility 
through mud, water, and thick brush, fighting from covert to co- 
vert ; whereas the enemy would never feel himself safe, unless in 
close order and unison of action, neither of which could long be 
pieserved when attacked in such a position. 

The next is, as you pasg froui Richmond, at Pleasant's mills, and 
the last, more advantageous than either, is close under ftJalvern 
hills, the north margin of the creek which intersects the road. 

A discrinunating officer, with inferior force, availing himself with 
dexterity of the advantages which in many places the country af- 
fords between Richmond and Westover, against a retreating foe, 
could hardly fail to bring him to submission. 

But we were unprepared for resistance ; and this inviting oppor- 
tunity for service was lo>t. Our people in the lower country, find- 
ing the metropolis gone, and the enemy unresisted, Ibllovved the 
example of the government, abandoned their habitations, exposed 
their fainiiies to the misery of flight, and left their property at the 
ir er<y of tl-e invader. What ills spring from the timidity and im- 
jtotence of rulers ! In them attaclimtnt to the common cause is 
V tin .ind illusory, unless guided in limes of ditiiculty by courage, 
wi.-ilom and conceit. 

This scene of dismay, confusion and destruction took pluce much 
about the time lord Cornwallis again opened the campaign in the 
south ; and during the difhcult retreat which soon att(-r ensu- 
ed, the intelligence of Arnold's success reached the two armies, 
deeply afHicting to the one, and higiily encouraging to ihe other. 
Greene saw the state, on whose resources and ability he relied for 
supplies aud reinforcements, prostrated at the feet of a handlul of 



196 Memoirs of the War in the 

men, led by a traitor and deserter, while lord Cornwallis anticipated 
with delight his ullimate success, from comparing Arnold and hi« 
detachment with him?elfand his army. 

Baron Steuben, not bemg in a condition to force intrenchments, 
wisely distributed bis mihlia in the vicinity of the enemy, for the 
purpose of protecting the country from light incursions, made with 
a view to collect provisions or to seize plunder. No event occurred 
in this quarter worthy of notice, general Arnold continuing to ad- 
here to his [losition in Portsmouth, and baron Steuben never having 
force sutiicient to drive him from it. 

Congress and the commander in chief, not less surprised than 
mortified at the tidings from Virginia, bestowed their immediate at- 
tention upon that quarter. The Virginia delegation, deploring the 
situation of their country, pressed the chevalier La Luzurne, min- 
ister plenipotentiary from his most christian majesty, to interpose 
his good offices with the commander of the French fleet at Rhode 
Island, for the purpose of inducing him to detach an adequate naval 
force to the Chesapeake, conceiving that such co-operation was 
alone wanting to restore the tarnished fame of the state, and to 
punish the base invader. Washington, participating in the feelings 
'of the delegation, and urged by the duty of his station, took mea- 
sures forthwith to assist the invaded state. He addressed himself to 
count Rochambeau, commanding the land forces of his most chris- 
tian majesty, and to Monsieur Destouches, admiral of his squadron 
in the American seas, urging them to seize the present moment for 
inflicting a severe blow on the common enemy. He represented 
the condition and situation of the British armament in Virginia ; 
and expiated in fervid terms on the signal good which a prompt 
movement with the fleet, having on board a small auxiliary force 
from the army, to the Chesapeake, would certainly produce. He 
deprecated a naval operation unaided by an adequate detachment 
from ihe army, as incapable with the militia of the country to effect 
the desired object ; and pressing co-operating exertions from the 
general and admiral, he announced his intention, arising from the 
confidence he felt that they would adopt his proposal, of drawing a 
corps of twelve hundied men from his army, and detaching it with 
orders to reach by forced marches the position of the enemy. 
Providentially, the French possessed at this moment naval superi- 
ority ; the British having just before suffered severely in a storm 
off Long Island. The loss of one ship of the line, and the sub- 
traction of two additional ships rendered unfit for service until re- 
paired, gave this advantage. Had the admiral and general adopted 
at once the plan proposed by ^Vashington. the object might have 
been effected before the disabled British ships could have been re- 
fitted for sea : but lor leasous not explained, Monsieur Destouchee 
did not move with his squadron, but degjiatched a part of it only to 
the Chesapeake, without a single regiment from the army. The 
commodore had no sooner reached his place of destination than, 
discovering his inability to execute tin- expected service, he has- 
tened back to his admiral. Failing in ;vith a British frigate on his 



Southern Department of the United States. 197 

rpturn, he captured her ; thus obtaining some little compensation 
for the otherwise useless expedition. In the meantime general 
Washington's detachment, under the marquis de la Faj^ette, pro- 
ceeded to the heiid of Elk, where embarking in bay craft collect- 
ed for the purpose, the marquis soon reached Annapolis ; from 
which place, in pursuance of the proposed plan, he was to have 
been taken down the bay, under convoy of Monsieur Destouches, 
In all military operations there is a crisis, which once passed, can 
never be recalled. So it was now. We had failed to seize the fa- 
vourable moment, when in our grasp ; it went by, and was irrecov- 
erably ios^t. Had the suggestion of Washington been adopted in the 
first instance, the British armament must have fallen, and the Ame- 
rican traitor would have expiated upon a gibbet his atrocious crime. 
So persuaded was Washington that such was now to be the termina- 
tion of his infamous life, that he instructed the marquis not to admit 
any stipulation in his surrender for his safety, and forbad, as he had 
done on a former occasion, the smallest injury to the person of Ar- 
nold ; his object being to bring him to public punishment, agreea- 
bly to the rules and regulations established by congress for the go- 
vernment of the army. The commander in chief was much morti- 
fied when he learnt that his proposition to the general and admiral 
had not been executed, as he was well convinced the propitious op- 
portunity was irretrievably past. His chagiin arose not only from 
failure in striking his enemy, from failure in vindicating the reputa- 
tion of Virtiinia, but also t>om this second escape of Arnold, whose 
safe delivery at headquarters engaged his attention from the mo- 
ment of his desertion. Nevertheless, he concurred with zeal in 
the tardy adoption of his plan by the French commanders, and con- 
tinued the marquis at Annnpr lis for co-operation. Monsieur Des- 
touches finding, by the return of his commodore, that the contem- 
plated object had not been effected, sailed Irom Rhode Island with 
his squadron on the eighth of March, with a suitable detachment 
from the army, under the count de Viominil. Time had been af- 
forded for retitting the two disabled ships belonging to the British 
fleet, which being accomplished, admiral Aibuthnot put to sea on 
the tenth, in pursuit of the French fleet, and came up with it on the 
sixteenth, off the capes of Virginia. 

The hostile fleets were not long in view before they engaged. 
The action was not general, and, like mo^t sea battles, indecisive.* 
After one hour's combat the fleets separated, each claiming the vic- 
tory. However well supported might be the title of the French 
aiimiral, it cannot be doubted that he entirely failed in the object of 
tne expedition ; nor is it less certain that his disappointment result- 
ed from the rencontre that had just taken place, which was followed 
by the British admiral's possession of the entrance inio the Chesa- 
peake, and by the return of the French fleet to Khode Island. 

Nevertheless congress, the states, and the commander in chief, 
were considerably elated by the iss-ue of the naval combat; for al- 

* 6«fore those of Howe, St. Vincenii, Duncan, and above all, of Nelson. 



1 98 Memoirs of (he War in the 

thongli the fleet of oiir ally had not p;nine(] any decisive advanta2C, 
and had been obliged to abandon its enterprise, still, without supe- 
riority of force, it had sustained an eqnd co-ribat against an enemy 
whose predominance on the ocean had been long established. Con- 
gress complimepted Monsieur Destouches with a vote of thanks, ex- 
pressing their approbation and confidence ; while general Washing- 
ton, with much cordiality and satisfaction, ferdered to the admiral 
his sincere congratulations. So sensible had been sir Henry Clinton 
of the vulnerable condition of Arnold, that he hastened the embar- 
kation ot acoiiS!derid)le body oi troops, under major general Phillips, 
(lately exchanged) intended ultimately to cooperate with lord Corn- 
wallis, but now to reinforce the detachment in Virginia, as soon as 
the British fleet sliould be enabled to put to sea. 

Arbuthnot had not long sailed when he was followed by the trans- 
port? with the armatnent under Phillips, which, steering directly for 
the Chesapeake, safely ai rived, after a shoit passage ; and, proceed- 
ing up Elizabeth river, the trorips debaiked at Portsmouth, to the 
great joy of brigadier Arnold, whose apprehensions during the pre- 
ceding three weeks had been excruciating. 

The marquis la Fayeite wa« recalled from Annapolis to the head 
of Elk, whence he was directed to proceed to Virginia, ant! take up- 
on himself the con)mand of the troops collected and collecting for 
its protection. The Uriiish force, united at Portsmouth, amounted 
to three thousand tive hundred; and, to the great satisfaction of the 
officers heretofore serving under Arnold, was now placed under the 
direction of general Phillips. Tiiis ofticer occupied himself in com- 
pleting the forti.^ications begun by Arnold, and making such addition- 
al defences as the security of the post required. As soon as this 
was effected, he prepared for offensive operations. 

Leavitig one thousand men in Poitsmouth, he embarked with the 
residue in ve.-sels selected for the pMjr[)ose, and proceeded up James 
river, w'llb a view of consummating t!te system of destruction so 
successfully pursued by Arnold during his short expedition. 

Although the heavy hand of the enen)y had been stretched twice 
before acrn-s this detenceless country, witliering evejy thing it 
touched; tdtlioiigh the diOirult}' with which our infant nation, with- 
o •.t n»oiiey and without credit, gathered together snjall quantities 
of sup|>lies, without which resistancr; must terminate ; and idthough 
the state of our interior forbad the hope of pffectual opposition, not 
from the want nf means, but from the want of wisely husbanding and 
wisely applying our resources, proved again and again by severe ex- 
perience ; yet the interval since Arnold's unopposed visit to the 
metropolis was pas-ei! in inactivity as all preceding periods of quie- 
tude had p;issf-d. What little reinained of the vitals of resistance 
was still left in the exposed rr-gior) of the state, instead of being 
collect*>d and transported over the Blue rid;fe,our nearest security. 
Instead of admonistdng our planters of the danger to which their 
tobacco was exposed in the public warehouses on the navigable ri- 
vers, and uriririi them to keep this valuable resource safe at home 
for better tiajos, our towns were tilled with our staple commodity, 



Southern Dcfartment of the United States. 199 

ready to be burnt, or to be exported, as might best comport with 
the enemy's views. 

Indeed, in the language of scripture, " we left undone those things 
which we oui^ht to have done, and did those things which we ought 
Dot to have done," aud well might follow the disgraces and distresses 
which ensued. 

At York Town were deposited some naval stores, and in its har- 
bour were a few public and private vessels. This little assemblage 
seems first to have engaged the notice of the British general. Hav- 
ing advanced up the river opposite to Williamsburg, the tbrraer seat 
of government, Phillips landed with his troops at BurvelFs ferry, 
and took possession of this deserted city without opposition ; hence 
be detached to York Town, where destroying our small magiizine, 
he returned to his fleet, and proceeded up tlie river. Reaching 
City Point, whicli is situated on the south siile of James river, where 
it receives the Appomatox, the British general again debarked his 
army. 

Petersburg, the great mart of that section of the state which liee 
south of Appomatox, and of the northern part of North Carolina, 
stands upon its banks, about twelve miles from City Point; and af- 
ter the destruction of Norfolk, ranked first among the commercial 
towns of the state. Its chief export was tobacco, considered our 
best product, and at this time its warehouses were filled. In addi* 
tion were some public stores ; as this town, being most convenient 
to the army of Greene, had become a place of depot for all imported 
supplies required for southern operations. 

Phillips directed his march to Petersburg, which he soon reached, 
without opposition, as appeared then to be the habit of Virginia. 

All the regular force of this state being under Greene in South 
Carolina, its defence depended entirely upon the exertions of its 
executive government, and its militia. Two thousand of this force 
were now in the field, directed by (he baron Steuben, seconded by 
general Nelson; half of which was stationed on each side of James 
river. Steuben, not doubling Phillips's object, put himself at the 
head of the southern division in the vicinity of Petersburg, the safe- 
ty of which he endeavoured to effect ; but as he was incapable of 
doing more than merely to preserve appearances, this effort was 
abortive. Advancing into the town, the British troops fell upon 
Steuben's division, vvell posted, and as usual, willing, but incapable, 
to resist effectually. A distant cautious rencontre ensued ; adroitly 
managed by the baron, and sharply upheld by his troops. It ter- 
minated, as was foreseen, in the retreat of Steuben over the Appo- 
matox, breaking down the bridge after passing it, to prevent pur- 
suit. Phillips, now in quiet possession of the town, pursued the 
British policy of crushing southern resistance, by destroying the re- 
sources of Virginia. The warehouses, stored with tobacco, our 
best substitute for money, were consumed. Every thing valuable 
was destroyed ; and the wealth of this flourishing town in a few 
hours disappeared. Pursuing this war of devastation, he crossed 
the Appomatox, having repaired the bridge ; and dividing his supe- 



200 Memoirs of the War in the 

rior force, he detached Arnold to Osborne's, another place of to- 
bacco storage, while he proceeded himself to the court-house of 
Chestertield county, which hes opposite to Richmond, between the 
James and Appomatox rivers. At this latter place was no tobacco, 
then the chief object sf British conquerors ; but barracks had been 
erected, and stores collected there, for the accommodation of our 
recruits, when assembled at this place to join the southern army. 
Arnold destroyed tobacco and every thing he found at Osborne's, 
as did Phillips the barracks and stores at the court-house. These 
exploits being performed, the two divisions of the army rejoined on 
the route to Manchester, a small village south of James river, in 
view of the metropolis, one of them passinj^ through Warwick, 
another small village : here was more tobacco, of course more de- 
vastation followed. 

The tobacco war being thus far finished, our small squadron of 
armed vessels lying in the river, here very narrow, became the 
next object of the British detachment. This naval force had been 
collected for the purpose of co-operating with the French expedi- 
tion from Newport against Portsmouth, which proved abortive ; and 
among other ills flawing from the abortion, was the loss of this 
little squadron. The commodore was very politely summoned to 
surrender, to which summons he bid defiance, declaring " his de- 
termination to defend himself to the last extremity." Q,uickly 
two sixes and two grasshoppers were brought to bear upon him ; 
when he as quickly scuttled and set fire to his vessels, escaping 
with his crew to the northern banks of the river : one way of 
" holding out to the last extremity," but not that commonly under- 
stood by the term. Reaching Manchester, general Phillips renew- 
ed hostility upon tobacco, of which great quantities were found in 
the warehouses ; this village, although in sight of Richmond, hav- 
ing been saved by the intervening river from sharing with the me- 
tropolis in Arnold's ravages. Nothing now remained on the south 
side of James river, below the fills, for British fire ; all the tobacco, 
with all our valuables within reach, were burnt, or conveyed on 
board ship. It was necessary to cross to Richmond, or to lay aside 
the torch. The former measure was the one dosired, and would 
have been executed, had not the opportune arrival, on the pre- 
ceding evening, of the marquis de la Fayette, with his New Eng- 
land regulars, put an insuperable bar to the project. No bridge 
then united the two shores, and no maritime aid was at hand to 
accelerate a passage, now to be effected only by the bayonet, cover- 
ed by adequate and commanding batteries. The British tbrce un- 
der Phillips was between three and four thousand, fully adequate 
of itself to prepare a bridge of boats, and to force its way across ; 
but nature had bestowed upon the north side of the river heights 
commanding effectually both shores. The marquis, strengthened* 

* Whenever the commitment of our militia in battle with regulars occuro 
the heart of the writer is rent with painful emotions; knowing, as he floes, th« 
waste of life resulting from the stupid cruel policy. Can there be any system 
devised by the wit of mati, more the compound of inhumanity, of murder, and 



Southern Department of the United States. 201 

by (ho Ihotisand militia,* presented a respectable force, better 
appropriated to murches and countermarches, waiting for the asj-is- 
lance which titne and opj>ortunity never fail to present, than for 
tlie close and f«tiibborn conilicts which defences of posts and resia- 
tance to river pas-'asi.es are sure to produce. Mad Phillips been in 
Richmond, and llio niatquis in Manchester, the river would have 
been passed with ease. Such is tlie value of what is called the 
advarilage of ground in xvar.j Relinquishing his design, general 
riiiliips quitted Mauchester, marching down the south side of the 
river to Bermuda Hundred ; the only spot in the state which re- 
tamed the old Anglican term brought over by the first settlers ; 
situated on the south shore of the James, at its confluence with the 
Apjtomatox river. Although no tobacco warehouses, with their 
conlents, remained to attract the exertion of British valour, yet 
various articles presented themselves in this ill-fated district, which, 
exciting cupidity, could not f.iil in being taken into safe keeping by 
this formidable army. 

When governments adopt the policy of plunder and conflagra- 
tion, they owe to the world, as well as to their nation, the justifica- 
tion of such departure from the liberal u«age of war. in every 
condition of things such justification is ditficult ; in this state of 
afiairs it was impracticable. The subjugation of the Vt-eakest por- 
tion of the Union, to which alone all the disposable force of Great 
Biitain had i>een and was devoted, began to be viewed as chimeri- 
cal even by the British oflicers. The battle of Guilford had fixed 
aa impression on the condition of the war, which audibly declared 
the futility even of victory itself. To burn and to destroy, where 
no hope of effecting the object could exist but with the infatuated, 
was not less cruel than disgraceful. That the only people in the 
world, understanding and enjoying political liberty, powerful and 
enlightened, the brethren of Locke, of Newton, and of Hampden, 

of waste ? Ought any government to be respected, which, when peace permits 
substitution of a better system, neglects to avail itself of the opportunity ? Was 
a father to put his son, with his small-sword drawn for the first time, against 
an experienced swordsman, would not his neighbours exclaim murderer! vile 
nurderer I Just so acts the government ; and yet our parents are all satisfied; 
although, whenever war takes place, their sons are to be led to the altar of 
blood Dreadful apathy ! shocking coldness to our progeny ! 

* And sixty dragoons, see Marshall, v. 4, p. 428, and infra p. 29. — Ed. 

t These observations appear to be just and instructive, in reference to that 
most beautiful and impoitant military operation, the passage of rivers in the 
iace of an enemy. They will serve to illustrate many recollections of the mil- 
itary reader, particularly Bonaparte's passage of the Bcregina, where, by seiz- 
ing on a commanding bank of that river, his artillery secured the passage in 
spite of the army of Tchitchakoff, posted on llie opposite side, in spite of the 
hasty and inii)erfect structure of the bridges, of the inclement weather, and the 
exhausted condition of his troops. Surrounded by danger, disappointment, and 
despair, his genius lost none of its resources, and extricated him by an opera- 
tion which would have done honour to his most brilliant and successful cam- 
paigns. The most celebrated examples of the military passage of rivers, are 
probably, that of the Rhine by Caesar, that of the Po by Prince Eugene, that of 
the Rhine by Prince Charles of Lorxaip.p, and of the Danube by Bonapartft at 
Inder Lobau. — Ed, 



202 Memoirs of the War in the 

sbouM encourage, by their example, a return to barbarism, affords 
a melaiicboly proof of the inefficary of the arts and the sciences, 
the sweets of civihzation, nay, even of hberty itself, over passion 
supported by power. The British nation guided by ministers with- 
out talents, disappomlment could not but ensue to many of their 
enterprises ; which, embittering the heart instead of correcting the 
head, produced this banetul system, so destructive to the comfort 
tirst of the farmers of Connecticut, now of the planters of Virginia ; 
heaping up a stock of irritation and hate, to be dissipated only by 
the force of time. 

Opposite to Bermuda Hundred is City Point, where Phillips had 
disembarked when proceeding to Petersburg ; the fleet contmuing 
in this harbour, ttie British general re embarked his army, and fell 
down the river. 

The marquis La Fayette, informed by his light parties of the 
movement of the enemy, followed cautiously on the north side of 
the river, until he reached the head waters of the Chickohominy, 
one of the branches of James river, behind which he took post. 
Here heleained, by his exploring parties, that the British fleet 
was re-ascending the river ; when, breaking up from Chickohominy, 
the marquis hastened back to Richmond. 

On his route he was informed, that Phillips was again dis- embark- 
ing his army on the south side of the river ; one division at Bran- 
don, the seat of Benjamin Harrison, er^q., and the second division at 
City Point. Persuaded that the enemy's present object was the 
possession ot Petersburg, for the purpose of meeting lord Corn- 
wailis, whose approach to Halifax was known, La Fayette deter- 
mined to move by forced marches in that direction. The British 
general advancing with equal rapidity, and being nearer to Peters- 
burg, reached it tirst. Phillips had flattered himself, that the pow- 
erful advantage derived from the celerity and ease with which his 
army might be conveyed by water, would enable him to strike deci- 
sively the American general, whom he hoped to allure low down the 
neck formed by the James and Chickohominy. While occupied in 
the incipient step to this end, he received lord Cornwallis's despatch, 
forwarded, as has been before mentioned, when that general com- 
menced his march from Wilmington ; and therefore hurried to Pe- 
tersburg, the designated point of junction. Though young and 
enterprising. La Fayette was too sagacious to have risked the bold 
measure of occupying Petersburg, even had he been free to act as 
his own judgment might direct ; but acting, as he did, in a subor- 
dinate character, he never could have been induced to violate 
orders. Major general Greene, commanding in the Southern De- 
partment, directed the operations in Virginia as vvell as in Carolina ; 
and apprehending loss from temerity, he enjoined, first on baron 
Steuben, and afterwards upon his successor, the preservation of the 
army, by avoiding general action, and confining his operation to the 
'' petit guerre ;" convinced that a steady adherence to this system 
only could save the Souih. It is not to be presumed, that, with 
such instructions from his superior, at the head of a force inferior 



Southern Department of the United States. 20B 

to that under Phillips, with a fecv latel)' raised cavalry, the Ameri- 
ctin general would have hazarded placing himself between Corn- 
wallis and the army under Phillips. But in his ditlicuh situation, it 
was necessary to preserve appearances, to keep the country in good 
spirits, as well as to render his soldiers strict in attention to duty, 
never so susceptible of discipline as when impressed with the con- 
viction that battle is at hand. Finding the British general in occu- 
pation ot Petersburg, L;i F'ayette fell back ; and recrossing James 
liver, took a'posilion upon its northern margin, some miles below 
Richmond Here he exerted himself to increase the ability of his 
army, by diminishing his baggage, establishing system and punctual- 
ity in its several departments, and introducing throughout rigid dis- 
cipline Nor was lie unmindful of the peril which awaited the pub- 
lic stores again collected in Richmond ; notwithstanding the severe 
admonition lately received from brigadier Arnold. To their remo- 
val he applied all the aid in his power, which was effected in due 
time, though unhappily not to a proper place.* 

* Upon tliis and similar observations in the text, the following correspondence 
was held with Mr. Jeflerson a short time before his death. His eloquent justi- 
fication appears to be directed against severer strictures than those to be found 
in the memoirs, which apply rather to the inefficiency of the government of 
Virginia at the time, than to the particular Executive magistrate. It is certain 
that, durin}4 the excitement of the revolutionary contest, and subsequent political 
contentions, nijurious accusations were levelled at this illustrious patriot; and 
it would seem that, not having a copy of this worlt befoie him, he wrote under 
the impresi-ion that it repeated theui. The fact is otherwise, and the reader 
will perceive that trie tone of the author is moderate, and the character of his 
observations for the most part general. — Ed. 

** TFashingion, 3rd Mai/, 1Q26. 

" Sir : 

*• At the request of some military friends, and in compliance with a de- 
sire which 1 have for several years entertained, I am preparing a second edition 
of my frithcr's memoirs of the southern war —with his own M. S. corrections, 
with the advantage of various suggestions from colonel Howard, and with such 
additions and explanations, as my own acquaintance with the subject will ena- 
ble me to furnish. 

•' In this undertaking! have reached the second volume, and find that the ac- 
count given of Arnold's invasion is net favourable to your foresight or energy. 
Between the Isi and 19th pages, the narrative and reflections will be found to 
which I allude, and I think it my duty as an inipartial understrapper in historic 
labours, to notify you of tlie task I am now engaged in, and to otfer eitlier to 
incorporate such explanations as you may choose to furnish me v\'ith, and as 
may appear satislariory to my judgment, in my own notes to the work; or to 
gul)join your own statements, under your own name, with a proper reference to 
the text, and every advantage that may secuve yau fatr play. 

" Reserving at the same time, if you prefer the latter course, the right of ac- 
companying your statements with such observations as my sense of truth and 
justice may dictate, if it should dictate any. 1 make this reservation with a 
view of holding the independence of my own mind clear and undoubted, as 
every man who writes of his contempi)raries ought to do. In this sentiment I 
hope you will agree with me, and see that it is compatible with perfect respect 
for yourself.'' 



2CMb. Memoirs of the War in the 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

I HE hostile araiy being separated, general Greene turned hts 
attention to the improvement of his unresisted possession of the 
field. 

'^dlhMay, 1826. 
•• Sia : 

"Since my last letter, it has occurred to me that it sIkjuIcI have contained 
an idea which it did not express. It is this — tliat under the ciicuinstances m 
wliich the governoi's of slates, and the continental ofiireis weie placed, it is 
reasonable to suppose that, however correct the conduct of the foniier may have 
been, the opinions of the latter would be unfavourable to tlieni. Indeed, the more 
accurate, the more limited by law, and tliose considerations which have now 
ripened into stale rights — tho more tender of individual liberty and private 
property the governor may have been, the more censorious and dissatisfied 
would tho continental officer become, whose views were solely and ardently 
fixed on rescuing tiie country from subjection to Britain, and who was ready to 
risk even liberty itself for indepevidence. It is therefore really a proof of j'our 
respective merits that my father and general Greene should hare supposed you 
were not quite as military and energetic — not quite as prompt and grasping in 
preparing and applying the means of the state — "our lives, our fortunes and 
our sacred honour," to public use and warlike purposes, as you ought to liave 
been; and I have little doubt if Jefferson had been the "military chieftain,'* 
and Greene the regulated statesman — the eleve of Montesquieu and Locke — 
that Greene would have occasioned the same strictures which were actually 
applied to Jefferson. Hence, from tiiese distinct forces, arose our federal and 
■"democratic parties — " cj; illo/onte derivata clades." The men of the sword who 
defended the country necessarily for t-lie most part became federalists — the men 
of the pen who taught the nature and value of liberty, and " snuffad the 
approach of tyranny in every tainted breeze," became democrats, adhered 
more literally to the true grounds of the revolution, and had to protect liberty 
from her most devoted friends. I cannot pursue this interesting subject at 
present any farther, but it is my intention in a work which I propose commenc- 
ing as soon as I get out this second edition of my father's, to unfold from tliis 
foundation the history and character of our political parties — their relation to 
the events of the revolution, and their operations on the structure and admini;-- 
tration of our government. I have ventured to trouble you with this reference to 
the subject, in hopes of obtaining in addition to such matter as may relate to 
your own history, lights that may lead and quicken me in developing this 
branch of our annals. I will add, that 1 think the effect of this division has 
on the whole been useful, and that I hope to explain in what manner and in 
what degree. Of course 1 use the word clades in the quotation, not as Horace 
intended it. 

With veneration and esteem, 

your ob't serv't, 

H. LEE." 
Mb Jefferson, 

Monticiilo.^'' 

" Jlonticello, May 15, 1826, 
" Dear Sm : 

'' Tlie sentiments of justice wliicli have dictated your letters of the 3rd 
and 9th instant, are worthy of all praise, and merit and n;eet my thankful ac- 
hnovvlndgiiionts. VVcjre your father now )i\ ing, an 1 propo=iiig as you are, to 
piililisli a second edition of liis memoirs, I am satisfied, lie would give a ver}' 
different aspect to the pages of titat work, which respect Arnold's invasion 



Southern department of the United States. 206 

Whether to approach Wihnington, with a view of opposing Corn- 
wallis's operations at the threshold ; or to take a more salubrious 

and surprise of Richmond, in the winter of 1780-1. He was then, I believe, 
in South Carohna, too distant from the scne of thes.ft transactions, to relate 
them oa his own iinowleclge, or even to sift them from tlie chatf of rumours, 
then afloat , lumours which vanished soon hefoie the real truth, as vapours be/ore 
the sun, obliterated, by their notoriety, from every candid mind, and by the voice 
of the many, vvlio, as actors 01 spectators, knew what had truly passed. The 
lacts shiill speak for thenibelves. 

"General Washington had just given notice to all the governors on the sea- 
boad, iVorth and South, that an embarkation was taKing place ut New-York, 
destined for iht Soulkward, as was given out there, and on Sunday, the jlst of 
December, I 730, we r<3ceived information that a fleet liad entered our Capes; 
it happened fortunately, that our legislature was at that moment in session, 
and within two days of their rising. So that, during tbese two days, we had 
the benefit of their presence, and ot the counsel and information of the members^ 
individually. On Monday, the 1st of Januarj', we were in suspense, as to the 
desiiiiation of this fleet, whether up the bay or up our river. On Tuesday, 
at 10 o'clock, however, we received information that they had entereii tha 
Jamet river ; and on general advice, we instantly prepared orders for calling 
in the militia, one half from the nearer counties, and a fourth from the uior« 
remote, which would constitute a force of between four and five thousand men ; 
of which orders tiie members of the legislature, which adjoMrned that day, took 
chaige, each to his respective county, and we began the removal of eveiy thing 
from r.ichmond. Tlie wind being fair and strong, the enemy ascended the river 
as rapidly as the expresses could lide, wiio were despatched to us from time to 
time to notify their progress. At 5 P. M. on Thursday, we learnt that they 
bad then been thite houis landed at Westover. The wiiole militia of tiie adja- 
cent counties were now called for, and to come on, individually, without wait- 
Ing any regular array. At 1 P. iVl. the next day, v^Iriclay) tiiey entered Kich« 
monrl, and on Saturday, after 24 hours' possession, burning some houses, de- 
stroying property, i*iic. they retreated, encamped that evening 10 miles below, 
and reached their shipping at Westover, the next day, (.Sunday.) 

*'By this tinie h.id assembled three hundred militia under colonel Nicholaf, 6 
miles above Westover, and two hundred under general JMelson, at Charles city 
Court-hojse, 8 miles below; two or three hundred at Petersburg, had put them- 
selves unaer general SmallwoofI, of Maryland, accidentally tliere on his pas- 
sage through tiie State ; and baron Steuben with eight hundred, and colonel 
Gibson with one thousand, were also on the South side of James river, aiming 
to reach Hood's before the enemy should have passed it ; where they hoped 
they could arrett them. But the wind having sliifted, carried them down as 
prosperously us it had brought them up the river. Within the first five da3'S, 
therefore, about 2500 men had collected at three or four different points readj- 
for junction. 

"I was atsent myself from Richmond, but always within observing dist.mce 
of the enemy, three days only ; during which I was never oif my horse but to 
take food or rest; and was every where, where my presence could be of Kiiy 
service ; and I may with confidence, cliallenge any one to put his finger on the 
point of time when I was in a state of remissness from any duty of my station. — 
'Kut, I was not with the army ! — True, for 1st. wheie was it? 2d. I was en- 
gaged in the more important functions of taking measures to collect an army ; 
and without military education myself, instead of jeopardizing the public safely 
by pieiemling to take its command, jf which I knew nothing, I had committed 
that to persons of .the art, men who knew how to make the best use of it; 
to Steuben, for instance, to Nelson and others, possessing that military skill 
and exjj. rience of which I had none. 

*'Let our condition too, at that time be duly considered, without arms, with- 
out mon.-y of e.lect, without a regular soldier in the stale, or a regular officer 



206 Memoirs of the War in the 

and distant position, with Virginia in his rear, and there to wait his 
lordship's advance towards his long meditated victim, became attirst 

except Steuben, a militia scattered over the country and called at a moment's 
warning to leave their families and friends in the dead of winter; to meet an 
enemy ready marshalled and piepared at all points to receive them! Yet iiad 
lime been given tliem by tiie tardy retreat of that enemy, I have no doubt but. 
the rush to arms, and to the protection of their country, would have been as 
rapid and universal as in their invasion during our late war ; when at the fiist 
moment of notice our citizens rose in mass, from every part of the State, and 
without waiting to be marshalled by their officers, armed themselves, and march- 
ed off l^y ones and by twos, as quickly as they could equip themselves. Of the 
individuals of the same house, one would start in the morning, a second at 
noon, a third in the evening ; no one waiting an hour for the company of anoth- 
er. This I saw myselt on the late occasion, and should have seen on the former, 
had wind and tide, and a Howe, instead of an Arnold, slackened their pace 
ever so little. 

" And IS tiie surprise of an open and unarmed place, although called a City and 
even a Capital, so unprecedented as to be matter of indelible reproach f — 
■Which of our Capitals during the same war, was not in possession of the same 
enemy, not merely by surprise and for a day only, but permanently ? That 
of Georgia? oi South Carolina? Noith Carolina? Pennsylvania? JNew York? 
Connecticut? Rhode Island ? Massachusetts? And, if others vk^ere not, it was 
because the enemy saw no object in taking possession of them — add to the list 
in the late war, Washington also, the metropolis of the Union, covered by a 
fort, with troops and a dense population ; and, what capital on the continent 
of Europe [St. Petersburgh and its regions ot ice excepted] did not Bonaparte 
take and hold at his pleasure? h it then just that Kichmond and its authori- 
ties alone should be placed uu<ler the reproach of history, because, in a moment 
of peculiar denundation of resources, by the coup de main of an enemy, led 
.on by ihe hand of fortune, directing the winds and weather to their wislies, it 
was surprised and held for 24 hours? Or, strange that that enemy, with such 
advantages should be enabled then to get off without risking the iionours he haj 
achieved by burnings and destructions of property, peculiar to his principle of 
warfare ? We at least may leave these glories to their own trumpet. 

'' During tiiis crisis of trial 1 was It ft alone, unassisted by the co-operation 
of a single public functionary; for, with the legislature, every member of the 
eonncil had departed, to take care of his own laniily, unaided even in my 
bodily labouis, but by my horse, and he exhausted at length by fatigue, sunk 
under me in the public road, where I had to leave him, and with my saddle 
and bridle on my shoulders, to walk a foot to the nearest farm, where I 
borrowed an unbroken coalt, and proceeded to iVlanchesier, opposite Richmond, 
wbicli the enemy had evacuated a few hours bclore. 

" Without pursuing these minute details, 1 will here ask the favour of you to 
turn to Ciranliii's History of Virgiiria, where such of them as are worthy the 
notice of hibtory are related in thdt scale of extfusion, which its objects aJmit. 
That work was writien at Milton, within 2 or 3 miles of Monticello ; and at 
the request ol the author, I communicated to him every paper I possetsed on the 
subject, of which he made the use he thought proper tor his work, ^see his pages 
453, 460, and the Appendix XI. — XV.) 1 can assure you of the truth of every 
fact he has drawn from these papers, and of the genuineness of such as he has 
taken the trouble of copying. It happened that duiiiig these eight days of in- 
cessant labour, for the benefit of my own memory, I carefully noted every cir- 
cumstance worth it. I hese memorandums were often written on horseback, 
and on scraps of paper taken out of my pocket at the monient, fortunately pre- 
served to this da}-, and now lying before me. I wish you could see them. But 
my papers of that period are stitched together in large masses, and so tattered 
and tender, as not to admit removal further than fiom their shelves to a reaHing 
table. They bear an internal evidence of fidelity which must carry conviction 



Southern Department of the United States. 207 

the subject of deliberation. Very soon a pliiti of action was submit- 
ed to the general, radicnlty repugnant to those which had risen into 

to every one who sees them. We have nothing in oar neiglibourhood which 
could compensate the trouble of a visit to it, unless perhaps our University, 
which I believe you have not seen, and I can assure you is worth seeing. 
Should you think so, I would ask as much of your time at Monticello, as would 
enable you to examine these papers at your ease. Many others, too, are in- 
tersperced among them, which have relation to your object, many letters from 
generals Gates, Greene, Stevens, and others engaged in the Southern war; 
and in the North also. All should be laid open to you without reserve — for 
tliere is not a truth existing which I fear, or would wish unknown to the whole 
world. During the invasion of Arnold, Phillips and Cornwallis, until my time 
of office expired, I ma(ie it a point, once a week, by letters to the President of 
Congress and to general VVashington, to give them an exact narrative of the 
transactions of the week. These letters should still be in the office of State in 
Washington, and in the presses at Mount Vernon. Or, if the former were de- 
stroyed by the conflagrations of the British, the latter are surely safe, and 
may be appealed to in corroboration ol what I have now written. 

There is another transaction very erroneously staled in the same work, which 
although not concerning myself, is within my own knowledge, and I think it a 
duty to communicate it to you. I am sorry that not being in possession of a 
cO^y of the Memoirs, I am not able to quote the passage) and still less the 
facts themselves, verbatim from the text; but of the substance recollected, I 
am certain. It is said tliere, that about the time of Tarleton's expedition 
up the JVorth branch of James river to Charlottesville and Monticello, Simcoe 
was detached up the Southern branch, and penetrated as'far as iVew London, 
in Bedford, where he destroyed a depot of arms, Sic. &c. 1 was with my fam» 
ily at the time at a possession I have within 3 miles of New-London, and I can 
assure you of my knowleifge, that he did not advance to within 50 miles of 
New-London. Having reached the lower end of Buckingham, as I have under- 
stood, he heard of a depot of arms and a party of new recruits under baron 
Steuben, somewhere iti Prince Edward. He left the Buckingham road, imme- 
diately at or near Francisco's, pushed directly South at this new object, was 
ilisappoinied and returned to and down James River lo head quarters. I had 
then returned to Monticello myself, and from thence saw the smokes of his 
conflagration, of houses and property on that river, as they successively arose 
ill the horizon at a distance of 25 or 30 miles. I must repeat that his ex- 
cursion from Francisco's is not within my own knowledge, but as 1 have heard 
it from the inhabitants on the Buckingham road, which for many years I 
travelled 6 or 8 limes a year. The particulars of that therefore may need in- 
quiry and correction. 

These are all the recollections within the scope of your request, which I can 
state with precision and ceitainty, and of these you are free to make what use 
you think proper in the new edition of your father's work ; and with them I praj' 
you to accept assurances of tny gi'eat esteem and respect, 

TH. JEFFERSON." 
H. Lee, Esq.'' 

*^ Monticello, May 30, 182^. 
"Dear 'Sir; 

" Your favour of the 25th came to hand yesterday, and I shall be happy 
to re<:eive you at the time you mention, or at any other, if any other shall be 
more convenient to you. 

" Not being now possessed of a copy of general Lee's memoirs, as I before 
observed to you, I may huve mis-reniembered the passage respecting Simcoe's 
expedition, and very willingly stand corrected. The only facts relative to it. 



208 Memoirs of the War in the 

notice, and which combating both in principle, reduced the discus- 
sion to a single point : " Shall the army wait upon the enemy, or 
shall it instantly advance upon Camden."* 

which I can state from personal knowlcLlge are, tli^t being at Monticello on the 
9th, lOth, ant; 1 ith, of June '8l, on one of those days (I cannot now ascertain 
which) I distinctly saw the smokes of houses successively arising in the horizon 
a little beyond James river, and which I learnt from indubitable testimony were 
kindled by his corps ; and that being within three cr four miles of JVew London, 
from that time to the 25lh of July, he did not, witliin that space of lime, reach 
New London ; but all this may be better explained viva voce ; and in the mean 
time 1 repeat assurances of my great esteem and respect. 

TH. JEFFERSON." 

H. Lee, Esq." 

In further justification of Mr. Jefferson, it tnay be proper to add, that al- 
though a motion to impeach him was made in the assembly, by Mr. George 
Nicholas, and a day appointed for commencing the trial — on which day Mr. 
Jefferson attended, prepared to meet the prosecution — the mover ahandoued the 
impeachment, and both houses unanimously adopted the following resolution — 
" Resolved, that the sincere tiianks of the general assembly be given to our 
former governor, Thomas Jefferson, Esq. for his impartial, upright, and attentive 
administration whilst in office. The assembly wish, in the strongest manner, to 
declare the high opinion which they entertain of Mr. Jefferson's ability, recti- 
tude, and integrity, as chief magistrate of this commonwealth ; and mean by 
thus publicly avowing liieir opinion, to obviate and to remove all unmerited 
censure." 

It is obvious that, if Mr. Jefferson had been in fault, the general assembly 
would have been equally to blame, for the unprepared and defenceless state in 
which Arnold found the seat of government of Va.; and that the exhausted 
state of the commonwealth, both as to men and money, the disinclination of the 
people to any thing like the maintenance of a standing force, with the uncer- 
tainty of Arnold's destination, and the fortuitous rapidity of liis progress, were 
suflicieiu causes for his success and our disasters. In so far as the observations 
in the text are applicable to these causes, they are perfectly just. — Ed. 

"The natural inference from the language of fliis passage i?, that Lee hinh. 
self suggested the plan of operations which is here atiout to be detailed ; and 
as it eventuated so happily' for the fame of general Greene and the independence 
of America, it appears proper to furnish the reader with a summary of such 
facts as substantiate the intrinsic probability of the intimation. First among 
these is the positive affirmation of coitipeient and unimpeachable witnesses. 
The honourable Peter Johnston of Virginia, who was a lieutenant in Lee's le- 
gion, and doctor Matthew Irvine of Charleston, wlio was his cavalry surgeon, 
and the confidential friend of himself and of general Greene; both testifying to 
the same point, and the Intter declaring that he was himself the organ confided 
in by Lee for communicating this council to Greene. (See the letters of tliesa 
gentlemen, in the Campaign of l78l, p. 399, and seq.) Next in order are the 
expressions of Greene himself, in his letter written (p. 297) three days after his 
defeat at Camden, and under the mortifying reflections it produced. 'I have 
run every hazard to promote 7/y?^;' ;;Z«7i of operations.^'' Shewing clearly, that 
Greene well knew it belonged to Lee. Indeed it is impossible to believe that at 
this moment of depres>ion and ansiety he would be so weak and ungenerous as 
to impute to the counsels of a friend and fellow soldier, the origin of a disastrous 
measure, which he was conscious had proceeded from the uninfluenced concep- 
tions of his own mind. The evidence of these circunastances appears to be con- 
clusive, that the suggestion was made by Lee; and the only doubt wliich caa 



Southern Department of the United States. 209 

The proposer suggested, that, leaving Cornwallis to act as he 
might choose, the army should be led back into South Carolina. 
Thai the main body should move upon Camden, while the light 
corps, taking a lower direction, and joining brigadier Marion, should 
break down all intermediate posts, completely demolishing commu- 
nic.ition between Camden and Ninety Six with Charleston ; and thus 
placing the British force in South Carolina in a triangle, Camden and 
Nmet)(-Six forming the base, insulated as to cooperation, and desti- 
tute of supplies, even of provision, for any length of time. 

From the tirst moment the substitute was presented to the mind 
of Greene, it received his decided preference. There was a .splen- 
dour in the plan which will always attract a hero. Yet the stake was 
great, the -ubject difficult, and |)owerful arguments, pressed by de- 
servedly influential soldiers, maintained the propriety of adhering to 
the first contemplated system. 

They conlended, that the battle of Guilford had given a superiori- 
ty to tl^e American arms which might be preserved ; and if preserv- 
ed, the liberation of the South must follow. They admitted the 
insalubrity of the lower country, but denied the necessity of placing 
the army in it ; as the healthy region was suthciently near to the 

remain is, wliether Greene might not have conceived the plan simultaneously 
with Lte, or independently of him At be.st, this is merely possible, and I 
know not that history has any thing to do with possibilities. That Lee con- 
ceived it, is an historical fact, as well attested as that he conceived the eloquent 
expressions which Marshall pronounced on the death and character of general 
Washington, viz : " First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his 
fellow-citizens.'' Marshall himself says, (vol, 5, p. 765,) Lee was the author of 
the resolutions containing these memorable words ; and Greene, in his letter of 
the 28th of April, I78l, says he was the author of this military plan, which 
general Hamiltaii, in an oration delivered before the society of Cincinnati in 
honour of Greene's memory, affirmed, was not surpassed in boldness and wis- 
dom by Scipio's famous determination to invade Africa. And, while it would 
be as reasonable to disbelieve Marshall in the first case, as Greene in the se- 
cond, it appears as probable that the eloquence of Lee was anticipated by the 
historian, as that his invention was forestalled by the general. 

Although the supposition that Greene did also conceive tliis plan, is a mere 
metaphysical hypothesis, having no connection whatever with facts, or with tes^ 
timony, thpse are circumstances which have a tendency to render it highly impro- 
bable. One is, that his letters to Lee, particularly that of the 19th of March, 
prove that, from the moment he resolved to advance from the position to which 
he retreated after the battle of Guilford, until the British army got beyond his 
reach by crossing the main branch of the Cape Fear at Ramsay's mills, his views 
were solely bent upon the pursuit of Cornwallis — upon the obvious course of 
warfare ; from which the plan suggested by Lee was a signal departure. Anoth- 
er is, that throughout his operations he had made it a point to keep between 
Virginia and his adversary, and that under the influence of these habits and 
views, and the numerous considerations which prompted and impressed them, 
his mind would not be likely, suddenly, to conceive a plan perfectly at variance 
with them. It may be added, that his inclination to recur to the obi^ious from 
the indirect mode of warfare ; that is, to proceed to Virginia and face Cornwallis 
before the evacuation of Camden, is further evidence that this plan was not the 
off!^pring of his own mind. His great and just fame is not at all affected by this 
conclusion. When the plan was proposed, his judgment embraced and acknow- 
ledged its utility, and his enterprising spirit immediately entered on its execu- 
tion. — Ed. 

27 



%\0 Memoirs of the War in the 

enemy for all the purposes of offence, whenever he should advance. 
They laid it down as a cardinal principle, never to be relinquished 
or even slighted, that the safety of the South hung upon the safety 
of Virginia; and the sure way to yield to that state full protection, 
was to faceCornwalhs. They reinforced this argument by dwelling, 
with much emphasis, upon the singular fitness of Greene to cope 
with his lordship, as well as the superior capacity of his army to 
contend with that under Cornwallis. That the British general and 
the British soldier had been taught, through the keen and trying 
struggles just concluded, ihe value of their enemy — a consideration 
entitled to weight; and that this value of character would be thrown 
away, by abandoning that army on which it would always most bear. 

That the British dragoons, so dreadful heretofore, had been ren- 
dered comparatively innocent by the superior ability of the Anneri- 
can horse ; and that, witlidrawing the curb now imposed upon their 
prowess, would be sure to restore them to their pristine sway and 
etfect. They contended, by observing that our continental force 
exceeded in number the army of Cornwallis, that should his lordship 
even abandon Wilmington, which was not probable, because injudi- 
cious, be would only bring himself to an equality ; and the state of 
North Carolina, already in high spirits from what had passed, would 
exert its^elf to give to us the weight of numbers, so long as it found 
the contest directed by a general deep in its confidence : whereas, 
the relinquishment of the state, with the enemy in its bosom, as pro- 
, posed, would be sure to excite gloom and apprehension, which 
would infallibly lead to the ancient state of apathy, thc^atal effects of 
which had been severely experienced. 

In opposition, it was admitted, that the primary object in all the 
measures to be adopted was the safety of Virginia, as it could not be 
denied that on its preservation depended the restoration of the sub- 
jugated states ; and the various arguments adduced were acknow- 
ledged to be correct and cogent, but not entitled to that preponder- 
ance which was so strenuously pressed. It was urged, as the surest 
mode of reaching right conclusions, to lay down the probable con- 
duct of the enemy, and to compare the eflects of the northern or 
southern movement upon that conduct. The British general would 
either return to South Carolina, to hold the giound already gained ; 
or, leaving his conquest to the force left for its protection, he would 
advance upon Virginia. Should he return to South Carolina — igno- 
rant as for days he must be of our movement, and incapable, from 
his crippled condition, of immediate operation, should he even be so 
fortunate as to lenrn with celerity the design of his foe — very pro- 
bably we should in the interval obtain an advantage which the Bri- 
tish general would not be able soon to retrieve, even with hi* united 
force. But, granting that we should fail in this expectation ; and 
that Cornwallis should, by crossing the Pedee at the Cheraw hills, 
force the light corps and Marion to fall back upon Greene, relieve 
Camden, and unite to his army its garrison, still we should be safe, 
and greatly the gainer. For, reinforced as general Greene would 
be by the corps of Marion, of Sumter, and of Pickens, he would 



1 

Southern Department of the United States, 211 

preserve a numerical superiority over the enemy, although strength- 
ened by all the dir^posable trooj)* under lord Kawdon. Tiie quality 
of these corps, and the well known ability of their leaders, placed 
them far above any force to be derived from North Carolina, should 
general Greene renew his contest in that state. We should, there- 
fore, be in better condition to risk battle by going to the south than 
by continuing iieie; and we should enjoy the immense advantage of 
rendering a campaign from which so much was expectetl by the 
enemy, entirely abortive ; inasmuch as we brought our opponent 
back to the very ground which he had left months before, vvlien 
menacing the subjugation of North Carolina instantly, and that of 
Virginia remotely. This single good wouhi be of itself adequate 
compensation ; as it would contirm the superiorit}' of our arms, and 
demonstrate, even to a British cabinet, the folly of persevering in 
the hopeless, destructive conflict. 

But supposing lord Cornwallis should not return (o take care of 
hi* conquest — inasmuch as it would unequivocally declare the mas- 
tership of his opponent, and when we rellect how often the best and 
wisest men prefer any course to that which is coupled with admis- 
sion of their own inferiority, we might presume that his lordship 
v?ould follow in the beaten track — what will be the consequences ? 
The states of Georgia and South Carolina restored to the Union ; 
the disaffected in North Carolina restored to their senses, by feel- 
ing unequivocally the frivolity of British conquest ; North Carolina 
in a capacity to contribute its portion of annual force; and Vir- 
ginia saved from that devastating flight of human vultures wliich 
follow in the train of conquering armies, whose appetite for plunder 
is insatiate so long as objects of prey are attainable. How can you 
so effectually save Virginia, it was asked, as by withholdi g from 
her territory a visitation so dreadful, the precursor of famine and 
of plague ? This was completely effected by moving to the south ; 
as the contest for the Carolinas continuing, that stale of quiet sub- 
mission could not take place — and that condition must ensue before 
these destroyers of property would adventure to approach a new 
theatre of plunder. 

This reasoning, however respectfully regarded did not persuade 
the advocates for the original plan to concur. They had felt the 
degradation of one retreat through North Carolina, and they could 
not be readily induced to advise the risk of its repetition, which was 
deemed the inf^dlible consequence of a return to South Carolina, 
should lord Cornwallis act the part which his finished military re- 
putation induced them to expect. They persevered in maintaining 
the propriety of holding Virginia as our primary object ; and con- 
tended, that the proposed substitute did effectually reduce her to a 
secondary station, however sincerely its author shared in the general 
policy of giving to her, in all our measures, a decided preference. 
They rejected' the idea of the British general's leaving general 
Greene in the undisturbed pursuit of his object ; and although, at 
first, his return would convey the acknowledgment presumed, yet 
the effect of this acknowledgment \yould be short-lived, as the su- 



212 Memoirs of the War in the 

perior force of the enemy would enable him to push Greene a se- 
cond time into Virginia ; and the sole benefit we should derive from 
this perilous movement, would be entering Virginia a few weeks later, 
greatly over weighed by the loss ot that superiority in arms, now 
possessed, and to be sacrificed by a second retreat. 

That highly as Marion, Sumter, and Pickens, were respected, 
and much as was prized the tried courage of their associates, yet 
the effect of their co-operation was overrated : but, even admitting 
it to the presumed extent, a movement of such magnitude never 
could be warranted by a reliance on means so precarious. 

The discussions being now extremely narrowed, by presuming od 
the British general's return into South Carolina, it was only neces- 
sary to demonstrate, that the same perilous retreat would not neces- 
sarily ensue, to secure the adoption of the substituted plan of ope- 
rations. 

The fact of equality in force was reasserted, and proved by re- 
currence to official data. The precariousness of militia succour 
could not be denied ; but it was urged that the South Carolina corps, 
above designated, formed an exception to the general rule. What 
rendered our retreat in the course of the past winter so difficult and 
dangerous was. not only a numerical inferiority,* but an inferiority 
in quality also, and a separation of the two divisions of the army. 
Now the army was united ; the untried battalions had now gone 
through severe service, and had confessedly improved in soldier- 
ship ; its numerical strength was now at least equal, and would be 
sure to be increased by the adoption of timely measures to secure 
reinforcements ; whereas that of the enemy could not increase, and 
must insensibly diminish without battle. 

That the strong and faithful country west of Charlotte gave a safe 
retreat; that a powerful corps of the King's Mountain militia could" 
be readily brought to meet us in that neighbourhood, or upon the 
Yadkin, if deemed advisable further to retire. With this reinforce- 
ment, the corps of South Carolina, and our superior cavalry, general 
Greene would be much better prepared to appeal to the sword 
than he was when he fought at Guilford court-house, where all ad- 
mitted that he gained an advantage. That lord Cornwallis must 
either sit down in the vicinity of Camden, to guard South Carolina — 
an inert condition, as foreign to his disposition as it was incompatible 
with his duty — or he would, in conformity tj his temper and his 
duty, advance upon general Greene. That, should he presume 
upon a repetition of retreat, he would not only be disappointed, but 
would probably be destroyed ; for the moment he passed Lynch's 
creek his danger commenced, and increased every step he took to- 
wards the Yadkin. He would, therefore, be compelled to be satis- 

*Two of our continental regiments, the seccn<i of Maryland, and the first of 
Virginia, were composed of raw troops, although the officers were experienced. 
These regiments had, in the course of the preceding service, been much improv- 
ed. The two divisions of our army being at a great distance from each other, 
Greeue was necessHrily compelled to fall back; and we find that, with all his 
exertions, he could not reunite thera until he reached Guilford court-house. 



Southern Department of the United States. 213 

fied with protecting his line of posts from Cannclen to Augusta, or he 
would again encounter the peril of a Guilford court-house victory, 
out of which he would not so happil}) escape as he had done By 
taking the lirst course, he lost a year : by taking the second, he lost 
himself. 

That, from the Yadkin, Greene could readily reach Virginia, if 
necessary, should the British general forbear to approach him, and 
in a few weeks drive all the force collected there to the ocean — - 
the asylum of Englishmen — and return to South Carolina in time for 
a winter campaign. 

These, with other arguments equally forcible, were offered ia 
maintenance of the proposed substitute ; and the effect upon Vir- 
ginia, which would probably ensue, should the British general pro- 
ceed thither instead of returning to South Carolina as presumed by 
its author, was examined in all its bearings.* 

General Greene gave to the subject that full and critical investi- 
gation which it merited, and which, b^ long habit, had become fami- 
liar to his mind. He perceived advantages and disadvantages at- 
tendant upon either course, and felt for the evils to which Virgmia 
must be expo«!ed, whichever plan he might adopt. Doubting whe- 
ther her sufferings would not be increased, rather than mitigated, by 
rendering her the seat of the southern war ; and convinced that he 
had much to hope, and little to apprehend, from returning into 
South Carolina, he determined to carry the war into that state. 

No sooner had he decided, than he commenced operations. The 
legion of Lee, with captain Oldham's detachment, was ordered to 
move on the subsequent morning (6th of April.) and the army was 
put in motion the following day. Previous to the general's depar- 
ture from Deep river, he communicated his intention to the briga- 
diers Sumter and Pickens, and required those generals to assemble 
all the force they could collect for the purpose of co-operation. 

To the first he signified his desire that he would be prepared to 
join him when he should reach the vicinity of Camden : to the last 
he expressed his wishes that he would invest Ninety-Six ; or, at all 
events, counteract any attempt to reinforce Camden from that post. 
To the commander in chief he made known at large his plan, with 
his hopes and his doubts, assuring him that he should take every 
measure to avoid a misfortune ; " but necessity obliges me to com- 
mit myself to chance, and if any accident should attend me. I trust 
my friends will do ju>;tice to my reputation." 

Lieutenant colonel Lee being instructed to join Marion, was di- 
rected to deliver to that officer the general's despatch, and to assure 
him of the entire confidence reposed in his faithful efforts to main- 
tain his share in the expected co-operation. 

* No man was more familiarized to dispassionate and minute research than 
general Greene. He was patient in hearing every thing offered, never interrupt- 
ing or slighting what was said ; and, having possessed himself of the subject 
fully, he would enter into a critical comparison of the opposite arguments, con- 
vincing his hearers, as he proceeded, of the propriety of the decisiou he wae 
about to pronounce. 



2 14 Memoirs of the War in the 

Lord Cornwiillia had not long indulged in the enjoyment of re- 
pose and abundance, before his active mind turned to the probable 
measures of his antagonist, and, shortly after he reached Wilmiog- 
ton, he advised lord Kavvdon, commanding in South Carolina, of his 
apprehensions, lest general Greene might direct his attention to 
the recovery of the lost stales. 

If, as [ believe, a general is sure to act wisely when he takes the 
course most dreaded by his adversary, the late decL«ion of general 
Greene was indubitably correct. For never was a leader more af- 
fected than Cornvvallis was, by the disclosure of his enemy's object. 
Day after day did his lordship revolve in his mind the difficulties of 
his situation, seeking the most eligible course to diminish or to sur- 
mount them.*" 

Sometimes he determined to follow Greene into South Carolina, 
and to punish him for his temerity ; at other times he would pro- 
ceed to Virginia, and, by the rapidity of his success in that quarter, 
compel Greene to abandon his object, and hasten to its relief. At 
length he decided in favour of the latter measure ; persuaded that 
Greene had gained so much time as would probably enable him to 
strike his first blow, in which, if he failed, his presence would not 
be requisite, and if he succeeded, his lordship's approach might 
place his own army in extreme danger t 

This reasoning was plausible, but not solid ; for, by taking the 
route by Cheraw hill to Nelson's ferry, he held himself safe, even 
had Greene succeeded against Rawdon — an event which, however 
practicable, was not to be effected under many weeks, unless for- 
tune should indeed be extremely propitious to the American general. 

Lee, in obedience to his orders, took the route towards Cross 
creek, which, it was inferred, would very much conceal his real 
object, by inducing the British general to believe that Greene pro- 
posed to place himself in his neighbourhood. 

After advancing in this course, as long as was compatible with 
a speedy union with Marion, the light corps turned to the right, 
and, by a very expeditious inarch, gained Drowning creek, a branch 
of Little Fedee. In a large field, on the southern side of this 
stream, Lee encamped for the nigb.t, when a very extraordinary oc- 
currence took place, worthy, from its singularity, of relation. 

Between two and three in the morning, the othcer of (he day was 
informed that a strange noise had been heard in front of the piquet, 
stationed ori the great road near the creek, resembling that occa- 
sioned by men moving through a swamp. 

♦ Lord Cornvvallis was exceedingly perpleseil in making up liis decision, and 
at length took the course which risked all to gain all, and, as generally hap- 
pens, he lost all. Thus it often occurs in war- The great Frederic of Prussia 
committed the same error before Prague, when he attempted to force the in- 
trenched camp of marslial Daun, and afterwards at Cunncrsdorf against the 
Russians and marshal Laudohn. Once the resolution to follow Greene was nrjt 
only adopted but in execution, a portion of Iho British army having passed to 
the southern banks of Cape Fear. This decision being soon after changed, the 
troops were recalled. 

t Lord Coriiwallis to sir H. Clinton, April 24ih, and to lord G. Germain, and 
general Phillips, 23(1 — Ed. 



Southern Department of the United States. 215 

Presently, and towards that quarter, a sentinel fired, which was 
•followed by the sound of the bugle calling in the horse patroles, as 
was the custom on Ihe approach of the enemy. The troops were 
immediately summoned to arms, and arrayed for defence. The of- 
ticer of the day reported very particularly every thing which had 
passed, adding that several of the sentinels and one patrole concur- 
red in asserting, that they heard plainly the progress of horsemen, 
concealing with the utmost care their advance. Never was a more 
perplexing moment : yet, knowing as lieutenant colonel Lee did, 
that no enemy could be near him, unless lord Cornwallis, divining 
Greene's plan and Lee's route, had pushed a body from Wilmington, 
with orders to proceed until it reached Drowning creek, where 
Lee would probably pass it, for the purpose of intercepting him, he 
was induced to consider the intelligence as the fabrication of ima- 
gination, which sometimes leads the most serene and circumfepect 
into error. 

In a few moments in a difterent quarter of our position, another 
sentinel fired, and soon afterwards the same report, from that 
point, was made, as had just been received from the other. Ap- 
pearances now were so strong as to dissipate the first conclusion, and 
what was deemed imaginary, was felt to be real. 

A change in the formation of the troops was made to correspond 
with this last annunciation of the enemy's approach. 

This was not com()loted before, in a different direction, we heard 
the discharge of a third sentinel. Now the most excruciating sen- 
sations were experienced : it appeared as if these different feelings 
of our position were wisely and dexterously made, preparatory to a 
geneial assault, to take effect as soon as the approach of light should 
warrant its commencement. All that could be done, was done. 
The piquets and sentinels held their stations ; the horse patroles 
had been called in ; and the corps changed its position in silence 
and with precision upon every new annunciation, having in view 
the conjoint object of keeping the fires between us and the enemy, 
and holding the horse in the rear of the i^nfantry. During our last 
evolution to this end, we were again interrupted by the discharge of 
the line of sentinels in our rear, along the great road. Thus the 
enemy had traversed the major segment of our position, and had at 
length fixed himself upon the road of our march. 

No doubt now remained, not only of the enemy being upon us, 
but that he was in force, and well understood his object IJe had 
reconnoitred vvith penetration and perseverance, and had ultimately 
placed himself in the very spot mo*t certaiidy promising success. 

To attempt to regain Deep river was idle, if practicable ; for 
Greene must now be two or three day's march towards Camden, the 
intermediate country hostile, and the British army within striking 
distance of some points of our route. Marion only could afford 
safety ; and he was on the south of the Pedee, at least two days' 
march from us. The review of our situation admitted but one con- 
clusion — that hope of aid could not be indulged, and that we must 
rely upon ourselves only. Brave soldiers can always be safely 



216 Memoirs of the War in the 

trusted with their situation. Lee, passing along the line of infantry, 
made known our condition : reminding them nl their high rpputation; 
enjoining profound silence throughout the approaching contest ; and 
assuring them, with their customary support, he had no doubt but 
that he should force his way to the Pedce, where we should find 
all that was desiralde. To the cavalry he briefly communicated the 
dangers which surrounded us, mingled with expres-^ions of his tho- 
rough confidence that every man would do his duty, and concluded 
by pressing U|)Oii the officers not to permit any partial success to 
tempt pursuit, without orders, or to rel ix circums|iection, but to 
bear in mind, that the contest before us was not the afl'air of an hour, 
but might last for days. 

This address was answered by whispers of applause ; and having 
formed in columns, one of horse, and the other of foot, Lee waited 
anxiously for the bre-ik ot day, the presumed signal for action. 

It soon appeared, and the columns advanced to the great road, 
infantry in front, baggage in the centre, and the cavalry in the rear. 
As soon as the head of the column reached the road, it turned to 
the left, pursuing the route to the Pedee. The v.in officer, pro- 
ceeding a few hundred yards, now got up to the sentinel who had 
fired last, and received from him the same account so often given 
before. The enigma still remained unexplained, and the corps 
continued its march, in slow motion, expecting every moment the 
enemy's fire. In this state of suspense we might have continued 
long, had not the van officer directed his attention to the road, for 
the purpose of examining the trail of our active foe, when, to his 
astonishment, he found the tracks of a large pack of wolves. It 
was now evident, that the presumed enemy was a troop of wild 
beasts, collected together, and anxious to pass along their usual 
route, when, finding it obstructed, they turned from point to point 
to pass through the field : every where fired upon, they continued 
widening their circuit until they reached the great road from which 
they had been originally turned Our agitation vanished, and was 
succeieded by facetious glee. No where do wit and humour abound 
more than in camps ; and no occurrence was more apt to elicit it 
than that which we had just cxi)erienced. Never was a day's 
march more pleasant, being one continued scene of good humour, 
interspersed with innocent flashes of wit. For a time the restraint 
of discipline ceased. Every character, not excepting the comman- 
dant's, was hit ; and very salutary counsel was often imparted under 
cover of a joke. Each considered himself a dupe, all laughing at 
a credulity, any attempt to remove which, during the scene, would 
have been treated as insulting temerity. The piquets, the patroles, 
the sentinels, and the officer of the day, were marked as the pecu- 
liar objects of derision. Wonderful that not one of the many could 
distino-uish between the movement of wolves and soldiers! They 
were charged with disgraceful ignorance, shameful stupor, border- 
ing close upon rank cowardice. Vain was the attempt of (he abu- 
sed individuals to defend their character and conduct : it was the 
interest of the many to fix the supposed stigma on the few^ and the 



Southern Department of the United States. 21 7 

general verdict was against them. Reaching a settlement, the corps 
halted, and for a while the remembrance of the ludicrous occur- 
rence of the night yielded to the solicitude of every one to provide 
his hreakfiist. 

Here what had passed was imparted to the inhabitants, and the 
unintelligible adventure was very satisfactorily solved. We were 
informed that there had been in the field where the corps had en- 
camped a store of provisions, collected for the army ; but that it 
never had been conveyed to camp, being too distant from the line 
of march. Being neglected, its contents became putrid : the wild 
beasts soon profitted by the neglect, and enjoyed nightly the food 
intended for the soldier. Having comprehended within our range 
of sentinels this abandoned store, we had interrupted their usual 
visits, and the circle which they nearly completed was from solici- 
tude to find access to their nightly repast. 

This was what had been termed "acute reconnoitring," and "an 
enemy in force, well understanding his own views." 

Such is frail man, in war as well as in peace, subject to be 
imposed upon by his own conceits, notwithstanding the remonstran- 
ces of reason, and his experience of the delusions of credulity. 
Yet, when we consider that the night was very dark, that the troops 
were waked from sleep to prepare for defence, and that it was 
possible, though improbable, for the British general to have been 
advised of the march of Lee, in time to strike him, our surprise at 
the alarm excited will vanish. 

Having finished our repast, we resumed our march ; and, after 
getting within a day's distance of the Pedee, lieutenant colonel Lee 
despatched an officer, witli a small party of dragoons, to discover 
in what part of his extensive range brigadier Marion then was. The 
officer, on reaching the river, learnt that the brigadier, when heard 
from, not many days before, was in the swamps of Black river. 
This was his general quarters when he found it necessary to retire 
from active service. It not only afforded safety, but, there being 
several fertile plantations in one settlement, he was well supplied 
with provisions and forage. Marion received with joy Lee's officer, 
and furnished boats, which he kept concealed on the Pedee, for the 
transportation of the corps across that river. On the 14th of April, 
Lee joined the general. 

These military friends had not before met since their wiredrawn 
expedition against Georgetown, and very cordinlly rejoiced at be- 
ing again united in the great attempt of wresting South Carolina 
from the enemy. The letter from the general, enclosing his plan 
of operations, was delivered to the brigadier, and the references 
to lieutenant colonel Lee fully explained. The evening was devoted 
to repose, and on the next day the two corps quitted the dark and 
favourite recess, for tiie execution of the trust confided to them. 
During their separation, many had been the vicissitudes pro- 
duced by the fickleness of fortune ; now blazoning with glory, 
then shading with disaster, the American standard. From the 
battle of Guilford, the long wished reannexation of Soutfc 
28 



218 Memoirs of the War in the 

Carolina and Geor2;ia to the Union became the avowed, as it had 
before been the meditated, object of the American general. Embol- 
dened by the effect of that well fought day, he no longer veiled in 
the mysteries of war his object, but openly disclosed the end to 
which all his toils and perils pointed. North Carolina became en- 
couraged, by finding that her safety was not now considered pre- 
carious, and that the contest turned, not upon her defence, but up- 
on the expulsion of the common enemy from her southern neigh- 
bours. The etherial spirit which had animated Marion, Sumter, 
and Pickens, and year after year had sustamed, through their ex- 
ample and efforts, the unequal conflict, had been long subsiding. 
liJnthusiasm is short-lived ; and is soon succeeded by apathy, which 
deadens vigorous exertion as fully as the former promotes it. 

In this state of dejection was the country when Greene entered 
South Carolina. Lord Rawdon, well apprised of the feelings ot* 
the people, adopted measures to give a tinishing blow to further 
resist.tnce. Beginning with the eastern quarter of the state, where 
opposition was still sustained by Marion, Rawdon detached lieuten- 
ant colonel Watson, with five hundred inf.mtry, towards Nelson's 
ferry, for the purpose of forcing Marion to submission, or to flight 
into North Carolina. Watson was sent from Camden soon after 
Cornwallis had communicated to the commandant there the victory 
obtained at Guilford Court house ; and, having established a post on 
the Sanlee, some miles above Nelson's ferry, which he fortified, 
and where he dppositeo the baggage of his corps, he continued his 
march towards Georgetown ; vainly endeavouring to induce Marion, 
with his inferior force, to advance from his impenetrable recess, in 
order to defend the country ; and was, as Marion believed, taking 
measures with a view of entering into the swamps and driving him 
across the Pedee, — on enterprise much desired by him, and to meet 
which he was fully prepared, — when the approach of the corps of 
Lee was announced. 

Active operations now became practicable, and ©n the evening 
of the 15th, Marion and Lee took a position in the open country, 
with Watson to their left, considerably below them, and on the 
route for the fort called by his name, which he had erected. 

Determined to carry this post without delay, Marion and Lee sat 
down before it early in the evening ; not doubting, from the in- 
formation received, that the garrison must soon be compelled to 
surrender, for want of water, with which it vvas supplied from an 
adjacent lake, and from which the garrison might be readily and ef- 
fectually secluded. In a very few hours the customary mode of sup- 
plying the post with water was completely stopped ; and had the in- 
formation received been correct, a surrender of the garrison could 
not have been long delayed. The ground selected by colonel Wat- 
son tor his small stockade, was an Indian mount, generally conceived 
to be the cemetery of the tribe inhabiting the circumjacent re- 
gion : it was at least thirty feet high, and surrounded by table land. 
Captain M'Koy, the commandant, saw at once his inevitable fate, 
Sinless he could devise some other mode of procuring water, for 



Southern Department of the United States. 219 

which purpose he immediately cut a trench secured by abbati^ 
from fiis fosse to the river, which passed close to the Indian mount. 
Baflled in their expectation, and destitute both of artillery and in- 
trenching tools. Marion and Lee despaired of success ; when major 
Maha.n, of South Carolina, accompanying the brigadier, suggested 
a plan, which was no sooner communicated than adopted. He 
j)roposed to cut down a number of suitable trees in the nearest 
wood, and with them to erect a large strong oblong pen, to be cov- 
ered on the top with a floor of logs, and protected on the side op- 
posite to the fort with a breast work of light timber. To the adja- 
cent farm* dragoons were despatched for axes, the only necessary 
tool, of which a sutficient number being soon collected, relays of 
working parties were allotted for the labour ; some to cut, some 
to convey, and some to erect. Major Maham undertook the ex- 
ecution of his plan, which was completely finished before the 
morning of the 23d, effective as to the oliject, and honourable to 
the genius of the inventor. The b-^sieged was, like the besieger, 
unprovided with artillery, and could not interrupt the progress of a 
work, the completion of which must produce immediate submission. 

A party of riflemen, being ready, took post in the Maham tower 
the moment it was completed ; and a detachment of musketry, under 
cover of the riflemen, moved to make a lodgment in the enemy's 
ditch, supported by the legion infantry with lixed bayonets. Such 
was the etTect of the fire from the riflemen, having thorough com- 
mand of every part of the fort, from the relative supereminence 
of the tower, that every attempt to resist the lodgment was crushed. 
The comm.uidnnt, finding every resource cut off, hung out the 
white flag. It was Ibllowed by a proposal to surrender, which is- 
sued in a capitulation. This incipient operation having been hap- 
pily effected by the novel and effectual device of major Maham, to 
whom the commandants very gratefully expressed their acknowl- 
edgment, Marion and Lee, preceded by the legion cavalry under 
major Rudolph, who had been detached on the day subsequent to 
the investiture of the fort, turned their attention to lieutenant col- 
onel VVntson, novv advancing from below to relieve his garrison. 
Knowing that the fall of Camden was closely connected with the 
destruction of Watson, the American commandants viewed with de- 
light his approach ; and having disposed of the prisoners, moved 
to join the cavalry, now retiring in front of the enemy. 

General Greene broke up from Ramsay's mills on the 7th of 
April, the day after he had detached Lee to join Marion ; and de- 
termined to approach Camden with a celerity which would preclude 
the British general from being apprised of his movement until the 
appearance of his army announced it. In this expectation, not- 
withstanding his pressing endeavours, he was disappointed. The 
country through which he marched was barren, its settlements few, 
the produce of the soil scanty, and the inhabitants disaffected 

Being obliged to depend upon himself for subsistence, always 
diflicult to be procured from the inadequacy of the annual products, 
and rendered more so by the concealment of part of the little made, 



220 Memoirs of the War in the 

(from hostility to the American cause, or from the natural and 
powerful claim of securing sustenance at home) general Greene 
did not reach the neighbourhood of Camden until the nineteenth. 

By the last return made before the American army decamped 
from Ramsay's mills, the regular force of every sort under Greene, 
may be put down at one thousand eight hundred effectives. 

Deducting the corps under Lee, about three hundred horse and 
foot, the army when arrived before Camden, exclusive of a small 
body of North Carolina militia, cannot be estimated at more than 
one thousand tive hundred. Here the American general confidently 
expected to be joined by brigadier Sumter, in consequence of his 
instructions to that olHcer previous to his movement from Deep 
river; with whose aid, and the co-operation of Marion and Lee 
'below, Greene very justly concluded that the evacuation of Cam- 
den was certain, and the destruction of Rawdon and his army pro- 
bable Brigadier Sumter held ofl', much to the surprise, regret 
and dissatisfaction of the American general, and very much to the 
detriment of his plans and measures. Happily this disappointment 
was balanced by the accidental absence of a large portion of the 
garrison of Camden, under lieutenant colonel Watson ; who, as be- 
fore mentioned, was low down the eastern quarter of the state. 

General Greene, not having adequate force to invest Camden, 
placed himself before it ; not doubling that, by depriving the gar- 
rison of its usual supplies from the country, he should compel the 
British general to withdraw ; when he Haltered himself opportuni- 
ties would occur for striking him in detail, until reinforced by the 
junction of Marion, Lee, and Sumter ; after which he might fall 
upon his retreating enemy, with well grounded expectation of de- 
cisive success 

Severed as Watson was from Camden, Rawdon's effective force 
was not more than nine hundred men ; nor was there any possibil- 
ity of adding to this force but by the safe return of lieutenant colo- 
nel Watson, to whom lord Rawdon despatched a courii?r as soon as 
he was informed of general Greene's approach, communicating that 
event, and requiring his immediate junction. Informed of the 
union of the corps under iVIarion and Lee, and of their advance 
upon Fort Watson, with the situation of Watson, then returning 
towards C.imden on the north side of the Santee, Greene deter- 
mined to chaui^e his position from the north to the east side of 
Camden ; by which movement he could readily bring to him Marion 
and Lee, if circumstances should demand it, and more effectually 
oppose the junction of Watson, should he force or elude the corps 
below. 

This change of position could not be effected without passing 
Sandhill creek, with its deep and difiicult swamps, impracticable 
with artillery and baggage, or making an extensive circuit, alike 
forbidden by the posture of affairs and the want of time. To sur- 
mount the obstacles opposed to his plan, the American general 
determined 1o relieve himself of every incumbrance, and by a ra- 
pid movement on the direct route through the swamps, to gain his 



Southern Department of the United States. 221 

desired position on the road leading from Camdeu to Nelson's ferry. 
With this view he placed in charge of the quarter-master general, 
lieutenant colonel Carriiigton, his baggai;e and artillery ; directing 
thiit otficer to retire to the strong country north of Lynch's creek, 
putting himself with his small detachment safe fiom any practicable 
attempt to break him up This being done, jfener.il Greene assum- 
ed bis desired position on the east of Camden ; where his commu- 
nication with Marion and Lee being direct, he soon was informed 
of their condition, and the situation of Watson. 

With pleasure he heard that the operations against Fort Watson 
were advancing to a close, with the pro!<pects of certain success ; 
and that not only the legion cavalry had been detached to attend 
the movements of lieutenant colonel Watson, but that a strong pass 
on the route of the British officer had been occupied with a de- 
tachment of infantry, to which place the whole corps would hasten, 
the moment the garrison of Fort Watson submitted, an event which 
was soon expected. Finding that the approach of Watson could nol 
speedily take place, if at all ; and not doubting but that by this time 
brigadier Sumter must be in the vicinity of Camden ; Greene relin- 
quished bis position lately taken, and returned to the north side of 
the town. l"he moment this resolution was adopted, the general 
despatched orders to lieutenant colonel Carrington, to rejoin hioi 
with celerity. Within a small distance of Camden, on the Waxhavv's 
road, is Hobkick's hill, the position selected by general Greene af- 
ter repassing Sandhill creek ; not only from its being on the route 
prescribed for the rejunciion of Carrington, and most convenient to 
the union with Sumter, but because the ground gave advantages ia 
case of battle ; which, though not presumed upon, was nevertheless 
alwHvs to be kept in view. Regarding this consideration, the Am^e- 
rican army decamped in order of battle. 

The regulars composed one line, with th'^ir centre on the road ; 
the militia, amounting to two hundred and tifiy, with the cavalry, form- 
ed the reserve, in a suitable distance in the rear. Strong piquets were 
posted in front, aided by the customary patroles ranging in front and 
on the flanks. Thus prepared for whatever might happen, the 
American army lay waiting fjr the expected return of Carrington, 
and the much desired junction of Sumter. 

On the 24th, Greene was officiciUy informed of the surrender of 
Fort Watson ; and in the course of the day, the prisoners reached 
headquarters. Among them were a few American soldiers, who 
had been taken, as they represented, and who had enlisted with the 
enemy as affording the best chance in their judgment for escape to 
their friends. These men were cheerfully received into the tf^i- 
nients to which they belonged. One of them, a drummer in the 
Maryland line, availed himself of the confidence with which the 
whole had been treated, and in the course of the night deserted. 
Being intelligent, he communicated to lord Rawdon the position of 
Gieene with accuracy ; and informed his lordship, that as yet the 
detachment under lieutenant colonel Carrington, with the artillery, 
iic. had not joined, oor had Greene been reinforced by Sumter, or 
any other corps. 



222 Memoirs of the War in the 

Already straitened for provisions, and despairing of succour, (his 
enterprising young soldier resolved to risk battle at once ; confident 
that every day would strengthen his adversary, and consequently di- 
minish his chance of victory, (without which not only the evacua- 
tion of Camden must ensue, but with it might follow the destruction 
of his army) and hoping that he would tind Greene destitute of artil- 
lery, conformably to the information just derived from the drummer. 
Giving orders for his troops to make ready, and placing Camden in 
charge of the convalescents, he advanced at nine in the morning of 
the 25lh, with nine hundred men only, of every description. 
Avoiding the direct approach to his enemy, he took a circuitous 
course to his right, along the margin of the swamp which lines 
Pine-tree creek, and winds with its meanders. 

The position of Greene was on a ridge covered with uninterrupt- 
ed wood, the Waxhaw's road running directly through it ; his army 
resting with its left upon the swamp of Fine-tree creek, where (he 
ridge or eminence was easiest of ascent, and extending on the right 
to woods uncovered by water courses or any other obstructions. In 
this quarter the American position was easiest assailed, but the 
probability of an undiscovered approach was not so encouraging. 
Therefore lord Rawdon preferred the route to our left ; inasmuch 
as an unexpected assault upon our camp was a leading feature in his 
plan. 

In the morning Carrington joined, with a comfortable supply of 
provisions, which had been rather scarce during the late hurried 
changes of position. These were issued, and of course engaged a 
portion of the troops ; while the residue were employed along the 
rivulets in washing their clothes, an occupation which had been for 
some days past impracticable. 

Absorbed in these employments, the period was very propitious 
to the enemy's object. His advance was never discovered until his 
van fell upon our piqupts. The tvvo in front, commanded by cap- 
tain Benson of Maryland, and captain Morgan of Virginia, received 
him handsomely ; and, retiring in order, disputed bravely every 
inch of ground, supported by Kirkwood with the remains of the 
Delaware regiment. This rencontre gave the tirst announcement of 
the contest at hand. Disposed for buttle by the order of encamp- 
ment, the American army, notwithstanding its short notice, was 
quickly ranged (or action — an event, although unexpected, of all 
others the most desirable ; because, in all probabiliiy, the readiest 
for the production of that issue so anxiously coveted by the Ameri- 
can general. 

During the contest with the piquets, Greene formed his army. 
The Virginia brigade with general Huger at its head, having under 
him the lieutenant colonels Campbell and Hawes, took the right ; 
the Maryland brigade, led by colonel Williams, seconded by colonel 
Gunby, and the lieutenant colonels Ford and Howard, occupied the 
left. Thus all the continentals, consisting of (our regiments, much 
reduced in strength, were disposed in one line, with the artillery, 
conducted by colonel Harrison, in the centre. TJie reserve con- 



Southern Department of the United States. 22S 

aisted of the cavalry, under lieutenant colonel Washington, with a 
corps of North Carolina militia, about two hundred and fifty, com- 
manded by colonel Reade. 

The British general, pushing before him the piquets and Kirk- 
wood pressed forward to battle. The king's American regiment on 
the right, the New York volunteers in the centre, and the sixty- 
third on the left, formed the line of battle. His right wing was sup- 
ported by Robertson's corps, and his left by the volunteers of Ire- 
land. The reserve consisted of the South Carolina regiment, with 
a few dragoons, all the cavalry then at Camden. 

Greene, examining attentively the British disposition, discovered 
the very narrow front which it presented ; and, gratified as he was 
tvith the opportunity, so unexpectedly offered, of completing, by one 
blow, his first object, he determined to avail himself of the advan- 
tage given by the mode of attack. 

He directed lieutenant colonels Campbell and Ford to turn the 
enemy's flanks ; he ordered the centre regiments to advance with 
fixed bayonets upon him ascending the height ; and detached lieu- 
tenant colonel Washington with his cavalry to gain his rear. Raw- 
don no sooner cast his eyes on our disposition than he perceived the 
danger to which his unequal front exposed him, and, bringing up 
the volunteers of Ireland into line, the remedied the defect seized 
by Greene in time to avert the expected consequence. 

The battle opened from right to left with a vigour which pro- 
mised a keen and sanguinary contest ; but the superiority of our 
fire, augmented by that from our well served artillery, must have 
borne down all opposition, had the American line maintained itself 
with becoming firmness. On the right Huger evidently gained 
ground ; Washington was carrying every thing before him in the 
rear ; and lieutenant colonel Hawes, with fixed bayonets, conforma- 
ble to order, was descending the hill ready to fall upon the New 
York volunteers. 

In this flattering moment the veteran regiment of Gunby, having 
first joined in the fire, in vioh>tion of orders, paused, its right falling 
back. Gunby unfortunately directed the disordered battalion to 
rally by retiring to its right company.* Retrograde being the con- 

* Although the army of Greene was not surprised, yet it was very suddenly 
assaile<l : no notice of the attacic having been given u;itil our piquets fired. The 
troops, in the hurry of forming, had not got settled before they advanced. Gun- 
by was anxious to lead his regiment itito battle thoroughly compacted ; nnd, 
therefore, ordered lieutenant colonel Howard to call back captain Armstrong, 
who, with two sections, was movmg upon the eneniy. This Howard did, and 
Armstrong very reluctantly obeyed. The enemy was not yet in strength in this 
point; and it is probable had Gunby, instead of recalling Armstrong, made him 
the point of view in forming, that the faie of the day would have been favoura- 
ble to our arms. This Greene always declared as his opinion, and Gunby as 
uniformly deniefl. The latter officer was called before a court of inquiry, at his 
own request ; whose statement of the facts, as before recited, was followed by 
the general's orders announcing the spirit and activity displ-iyed by colonel Gun- 
by as unexceptionable ; but his order for tlie regiment to fall back improper, and 
the probable cause of the loss of a complete victory. 



2^ Memoirs of the War in the 

«equence of this order, the British line, giving a shout, pressed for- 
ward with redoubled ardour ; and the regiment of Gunby, consider- 
ed as the bulwark of the array, never recovered from the panic with 
which it was at this moment unaccountably seized. The Virginia 
brigade, and the 2nd regiment of Maryland, with the artillery, 
not.»ith-?t!mding the shamef 1 abandonment by the 1st JVIaryland, 
maintained the contest bravely. Williams with Gunby, assisted by 
lieutenant colonel Howard, who had so often and so gloriously borne 
down with this very regiment all opposition, vainly exerted them- 
selves to bring it to order. Not the menaces of the one, not the 
expostulations of the other, not the exhortations of the third, nor the 
recollection of its pristine fame, could arouse its cowering spirit. 

The 2nd Maryland, which had from the commencement of the 
action acted with gallantry, feeling severely the effect produced by 
the recession of the 1st, became somewhat deranged; and lieute- 
nant colonel Ford being unluckily wounded, while endeavouring to 
repress the beginning disorder, this corps also fell back. Rawdon's 
right now gained the summit of the eminence, flanking Hawe>. regi- 
ment, which had undeviatingly held its prescribed course, although 
early in the action abandoned on its left by the 1st Maryland, and 
now but feebly sustained on its right by the 1st V^irginia — for this 
corps had now begun to recede, notwithstanding its preceding suc- 
cess. Greene recalled Havves, our only unbroken regiment ; and, 
finding every effort to reinstate the battle illusory, conscious that 
his reserve was not calculated to face the veteran foe, wisely deter- 
mined to diminish the ills of the sad and unaccountable reverse, by 
retiring from the field. Orders were given to this effect, and 
lieutenant colonel Hawes was commanded to cover the broken line. 

The retreat was performed without loss, although the enemy 
continued to pursue for a few miles. Washington with his cavalry 
retiring from the rear the moment he discovered that our infantry 
had been forced, came in time to contribute greatly to the safety of 
the army, having necessarily relinquished most of the fruits of his 
success Checking the enemy's efforts to disturb our rear,* he at 
length, by a rapid charge, effectually discomfitted the British van, 
and put a stop to further pursuit. General Greene having passed 
Saunders' creek, about four miles from the field of battle, encamp- 
ed for the night, and on the next day proceeded to Hudgely's mill. 

The loss sustained by the respective armies was nearly equal. 
On the side of America two hundred and sixty-eight were killed, 
wounded, and missing : on the side of the enemy two hundred and 
fifty-eight, including the prisoners brought off by lieutenant colonel 
Washington, and those paroled by him on the ground. The British 

* After Greene iialted at Saunders' creek, Washington returned with his 
cavaliy to examine tlie situation of the enemy. His advanced patrole wae 
pursued by major Coffin with his cavalry. Washington, hearing their approach, 
placed himself in ambush, covered by some thick hushes, near the road, and 
pressed upon his adversary. Coffin attempted to bring his men to fare Washing- 
ton ; but they put spur to their horses to regain their camp. Some were killed, sonic 
taken, aud the rest dispersing reached lord Rawdon. Coffin himself escaped. 



Southern Department of the United States. 22S 

lost no officer of distinction, which was not the case with us. The 
wound ol lieutenant colonel Ford proved mortal, and captain Beatty, 
of the 1st Maryland, was killed, than whom the army did not pos- 
sess an officer of more promise. 

No military event had occurrpd in the course of the war, whoso 
issue was so inexplicable as that of the late enj^agement. The 
darins; attempt of the enemy was readily accounted for, and exhibits 
in the most convincing manner the wisdom of the movement into 
South Carolina. Without risk or loss, the American general, 
although disappointed in the aid of brigadier Sumter, had in six days 
placed his adversary in a situation so dangerous as to compel him to 
resort to the measure of all others the most desired by his enemy. 
Greatly inferior in infantry, more so in cavalry, and destitute of 
artillery, the British general, aware of the inevitable consequence 
of holding himself shut up in Camden, took the bold resolution of 
attacking his antagonist, notwithstanding his many advantages, con- 
siderably augmented by the convenience of a position selected with 
the view and from the hope that th*^ critical condition ot Rawdon 
would force him to hazard an action. Lord Rawdon certainly chose 
the most propitious moment for his gallant attempt, and as certainly 
conducted it in the most martial manner. Yet he would have been 
destroyed, had the troops of Greene executed his orders with com- 
mon resolution. The satisfaction enjoyed by the American general, 
on discerning the enemy advancing upon him, was not confined to 
himself, but prevailed throughout the army, and afil'orded no incon- 
siderable pledge that, upon this occasion, every man would do his 
duty. So decisive was the confidence which actuated the general, 
that he held all his continental infantry in one body, never doubting 
their sufficiency to insure success ; and, with the same impression, 
on his first view of his enemy, he gave orders for striking him in 
front, in rear, and on both flanks : thus conveying to his troops his 
conviction that victory was certain, as well as his determination that 
it should be complete. 

Sad and immediate was Greene's disappointment. The 1st regi- 
ment of Maryland, as has been mentioned, deservedly held up to 
the army as its model, and which upon all preceding occasions be- 
haved well.* now shrunk from the conflict, abandoning their general, 
their country, and their comrades : this too in defiance of the efforts 
and example of Williams. Gunby, and Howard, all dear to the troops, 
and when the British line, *o far from having gained any advantage, 
was beginning to stagger under the combined operation fast bearing 
upon it. It is true that captain Beatty, commanding the company 
on the right, fell at this moment ; and it is also true that colonel 
Gunby, with a view of bringing the regiment to range with its 
colours, ordered it to Ml back to the right comi)nny ; but Morgan 

* It was this regiment wliich forced the guards at the battle of Guilford Court- 
house, killing their coininandaiit, and driving thein back, seeking shelter iinde/ 
cover of the British artillery; and a po.tion of the same regiment constituted 
a part of the infantry which, under Howard, gave us the victory at the Cowpens, 
hy the free use of the bayonet. 
29 



226 Memoirs of the War in tJiG 

had given the same order, at the Cowpens, to the corps of Howard, 
which was not only executed with promptitude, but was followed 
by its decisive advance, and consequent signal success. 

Relinquishing an investigation which does not ])romi3e a satisfac- 
tory solution, I cannot but observe that the battle of Hobkicks adds 
to the many evidences with which military history abounds of the 
deranging effects of unlimited confidence. It is the only instance 
in Greene's command, where this general implicitly yielded to its 
delusive counsel, and he suffered deeply in consequence of it ; for 
had he for a moment doubted the certainty of success, the cavalry 
would not have been detached in the rear until the issue of the bat- 
tle had began to unfold itself. 

Nor is it risking too much to suggest the probability that, had the 
horse been still in reserve, not only would the forward movement 
of the enemy, which followed the recession of the first regiment 
of Maryland, been delayed, but that regiment would have been 
restored to order, and the battle renewed with every reason still to 
conclude that its event would have been auspicious to America. 
The maxim in war, that your enemy is ever to be dreaded until at 
your feet, ought to be held inviolate ; nor should a commander 
permit the gratifying seductions of brilliant prospects to turn him 
from the course which this maxim enjoins. 

Honourable as this victory was to the British general and to the 
British arms, it yielded not one solitary benefit. The loss sustain- 
ed being proportionate, the relative strength of the combatants was 
unchanged ; and lord Rawdon, experiencing his inadequacy to im- 
prove success after gaining it, reluctantly relinquished his offensive 
plan of operations, and returned to Camden, in the expectation of 
lieutenant colonel Watson's arrival before the American general 
would /eel himself in strength and spirits to renew his investment. 

General Greene, heretofore soured by the failure of his expect- 
ed succour from Sumter, now deeply chagrined by the inglorious 
behaviour of a favourite regiment — converting his splendid prospects 
into the renewal of toil and difficulty, of doubt and disgrace — be- 
came for a while discontented with his advance to the south. He 
sent orders to lieutenant colonel Lee, requiring him to join the 
army forthwith ; and indicated by other measures a disposition to 
depart from his adopted sj'stcm. 

As soon as the capitulation for the surrender of fort Watson was 
signed, Lee followed by his infantry hastened to the cavalry, still in 
front of Watson ; and on the subsequent morning was joined by 
brigadier Marion, who had been necessarily delayed until the pri- 
soners and stores were disposed of. The British lieutenant colo- 
nel, seeing that the passes on his route were occupied, and know- 
ing that the advanatges possessed by his enemy would be strenu- 
ously maintained, relinquished his project of gaining Camden on 
the direct route, and determined, by passing the Santee, to inter- 
pose it between himself and the corps opposed to him ; presuming 
that he might with facility make his way good to Camden, by re- 
crossing the Santee above ; or, by taking the route by fort Motte, 



Southern Department of the United States. 227 

pass first the Congaree, and thon the Wateree, which unite some 
small distance below (he post at Motte's, 

Drawing off in the night, he placed himself at a considerable dis' 
tance from his enemy before his change of plan was discovered. 
Nevertheless he would have been pursued, with the exjiectation 
of falling upon him before he could make good his passage of the 
river, had not the general's orders directing the junction of the 
corps under Loe arrived, which necessarily arrested the proposed 
attempt upon Watson. With all possible despatch lieutenant col- 
onel Lee set out for the army ; and, in the course of the day and 
a small part of the night, marched thirty two miles. 

Sorely as Greene felt the disappointment lately experienced, he 
did not long permit bis accustomed equanimity to be disturbed ; nor 
could his strong mind long entertain suggestions growing out of ad- 
verse fortune. Persuaded that his movement upon South Carolina 
was, under all the circumstances of his situation, the most promis- 
ing of good to his country, he determined to adhere to his plan of 
operations with firmness, and to obliterate his late repulse by sub- 
sequent success. Fixed in this resolution, he despatched an otficev 
to meet Lee, countermanding his orders, followed by captain Fin- 
ley, of the artillery, with a six pounder, detached by general 
Greene to Miirion and Lee; in consequence of representations 
from those officers soliciting this aid. 

As soon as Finley joined, Lee returned to Marion, who had ap- 
proached the vicinity oi the confluence of the Congaree and Wa- 
teree, waiting for W.itson's advance. The despatch from general 
Greene contained directions to proceed in the execution of his 
original orders, taking care by every practicable exertion to repel 
Watson's attempt to throw himself into Camden ; and communicated 
the general's decision to pass the Wateree with the army, for the 
purpose of intercepting lieutenant colonel W^atson, should he se- 
lect that route to Camden. In conformity with this decision, 
Greene broke up from Rudgely's mill, and, passing the Wateree 
above Camden, sat down in a strong position ; which deprived the 
British garrison of its usual supplies in this quarter as effectually 
as it debarred Watson's approach to Camden on the southern route. 

Rawdon now demonstrated by his conduct that bis late victory, 
though brilliant, produced no support or benefit to him ; as he was 
compelled to a painful inactivity in the face of his enemy, who but 
a few days before had retired before him. The accession of the 
corps under Watson only could save him ; and this accession he 
«aw completely prevented, on the most eligible route, by his ad- 
versary, — he saw it without being able to take a single step in fur- 
therance of the desired aid. 

Marion and Lee lost not a moment after their union in taking 
measures to execute the commnnd of their general, well :ipprized 
of the vast importance attached to the interception of Watson. 
The militia general, being perfectly acquainted with the country, 
guided the measures adopted. He well knew that, although gen- 
eral Greene's position would stop the lieutenant colonel on (he 



228 Memoirs of the War in the 

usual route from Motte's post to Camclen, it would not stop him 
from passing the VVateree at or below the high hills of Santee ; 
and that lieutenant colonel Watson, to avoid the corps destined to 
strike him, would probubly, notwithstanding the judicious position 
taken by Greene, pass (he Congaree at JMotte's, and afterwards 
pass the VVateree below the tiigh hills. If Watson should not deem 
it eligible to pass the Congaree, hut one way was left for him, and 
that was to recross the Santee at the contluence of the two rivers 
ju^t mentioned. Whether to sit down on the north side of the 
Santee, prepared to fall upon the British lieutenant colonel in the 
act of passing the river, or to cross it and strike at him on the 
southern banks, was the alternative presented to the American 
commandants. Well informed of every step taken by Watson after 
he reached the southern side of the Santee, no doubt remained but 
that he would pass either the Congaree or the Santee on the ensu- 
ing morning. It was new decided to cross to his side of the river, 
from a conviction that we should reach him on its southern banks, 
which ever course ot the two before him he might select. The 
indetatigable Marion,^ seconded by his zealous associates, foreseeing 
the probable necessity of a quick passage over the Santee, had 
"provided the means of transportation, which was effected in the 
course of the night, and, with the dawn of day, the troops moved 
with celerity up the Santee. It was then ascertained that lieutenant 
colonel Watson had taken the route leailing over that river where 
its two branches unite- — the very sp^t which had so forcibly attract- 
ed the attention of Marion and Lee, and would have been selected 
by them, had it not been apprehended that the British lieutenant 
colonel might prefer the route across the Congaree. 

Had these two officers conhned their attention entirely to the north 
side of the river, the much desired interception would have been 
effected : for with horse, foot, and artillery, it was not to be ex- 
pected that a corps of infantry only could make good its landing in 
the face of an equal foe, and secured its arrival into Camden. 

Mortified with the result of their unceasing exertions, the de- 
ranging inforniiition was immediately forwarded to general Greene, 
and the disappointed commandants moved upon fort Motte, 

Persuaded that lord Ravvdon would resume offensive operations 
the iTioment Watson joined him, Greene withdrew from the vicinity 
of Camden, and took a more distant position in the high grounds 
behind Sawney's creek. On the 7th of May the long expected 
succour reached Camden ; and on the next day the British general 
put his army in motion, passed the Wateree at the ferry below 
Camden, and advanred to attack Greene. On his way he was in- 
formed of the American general's decampment, and proceeded to- 
wards Sawney's creek, still determined lo execute his object. 

The two aimies were nearly equal, about twelve hundred each. 
The advantage in number and quality of infantry was on the side 
of Rawdon, while Greene continued to hold his superiority in 
cavalry. Convinced that the British general would press battle, 
and anxious to restore the humbled spirits of his troops, general 



Southern Department of the United States. 22J^ 

Greene broke up from his position, and retired to Colonel's creek, 
lesiving Washington with his cavairy and some infantry on the ground 
to cover hi.* retreat. Rawdon, examining critically his adversary's 
situation, and perceiving his well prepared condition, did not deem 
it advisHl)le to carry into elTect his projected enterprise, but with- 
drew about the time th.it Greene commenced his retreat, and re- 
turned to Camden. Thus it happened that both armies retired ^t 
the same moment from each other. Convinced that he could not 
force the American general from his neighbourhood, and persuaded 
that the breaking up of the intermediate posts between him and 
Ch-iileston would not only endanger his army, but must complete 
thac spirit of revolt which had begun to manifest itself on the en- 
trance of the American array into the state, his lordship wisely de- 
cided to give up Camden, and, with it, all the country north of the 
Congaree. Preparing for retreat, he sent orders to lieutenant col- 
onel Cruger to abandon Ninety-six and to join Browne at Augusta, 
ar.d directed major Maxwell, commanding at fort Granby, to fall 
back upon Orangebuigh. 

This arrangement was indubitably the best practicable ; and, duly 
maintained, would have preserved all the country south of the Con- 
garee. and west of the Santee. But so completely had the Ameri- 
can general taken his measures to prevent all communication with 
lord llavvdoo, th tt none of his despatches reached their destination. 

On the 10th the evacuation of Camden took place, and the Bri- 
tish general proceeded to Nelson's ferry with the expectation of 
crossing the Santee in time to dislodge Marion and Lee, still prose- 
cuting the siege of fort Motte. Previous to his lordship's departure 
he burnt the j-nl, the mills, and some private houses, and destroyed 
all the stores which he could not take with him. He carried ofl four 
or tive hundred negroes, and all the most obnoxious loyalists accom- 
pauied him. 

As soon as Greene was informed of the retreat of the enemy, ner- 
su ided that Rawdoii's first effort would be directed to relieve fort 
Motte, he advanced towards the Congaree. determined to pass that 
river, if necessary, and to cover the operations of the besieging 
corps. 

This post was the principal depot of the convoys from Charleston 
to Camden, and sometimes of those destined for fort Granbv and 
Ninety-Six. A large new mansion house, belonging to Mrs. Motte 
situated on a high and commanding hill, had been selected for this 
establishment. It was surrounded with a deep trench, alonp- the in- 
tenor margin of which was raided a strong and lofty parapet. To 
this post had been regularly assigned an adequate ga'rison of about 
one hundred and fifty men, which was now accidentally increased 
by a small detachment of dragoons, which had arrived from Charles- 
ton a few hours before the appearance of the American troops, on 
its way to Camden with despatches for lord Rawdon. Captain 
M'Pherson commanded, an officer highly and deservedly respected. 

Opposite to fort Motte, to the north, stood another hill, where 
Mrs. Motte, having been dismissed from her mansion, resided, in the 



230 Memoirs of the War in the 

old farmhouse. On tbi? height lieutenant colonel Lee with his 
corps took post, while brigadier Marion occupied the eastern decli- 
vity of the ridge on which the fort stood. 

Very soon the fort was completely invested ; and the six pounder 
was mounted on a battery erected in Marion's quarter for the pur- 
pose of raking the nortliern face of the enemy's parapet, against 
»vhich Lee was preparing to advance. J\I*Pherson was unprovided 
with artillery, and depended for safety upon timely relief, not doubt- 
ing its arrival before the assailant could push the preparations to 
maturity. 

The vale which nms between the tu'o hills admitted our safe ap- 
proach within four hundred yards of the fort. This place tvas se- 
lected by Lee to break ground. Relays of working parties being 
provided for every four hours, and some of the negroes from the 
neighbouring plantations being brought, by the influence of Marion, 
to our assistance, the works advanced with rapidity. Such was 
their forwardness on the lOth, that it was determined to summon 
the commandant. 

A flag was accordingly despatched to captain M'Pherson, stating 
to him with truth our relative situation, and admonishing him to 
avoid the disagreeable consequences of an arrogant temerity. To 
this the captain replied, that, disregarding consequences, he should 
continue to resist to the last moment. The retreat of Rawdon was 
known in the evening to the beseigers ; and in the course of (he 
night a courier arrived from general Greene confirming that event, 
urging reboubled activity, and communicating his determination to 
hasten to their support. Urged by these strong considerations, Ma- 
rion and Lee persevered throughout the night in pressing the com- 
pletion of their works. On the next day, Rawdon reached the 
country opposite to fort Motte ; and in the succeeding night encamp- 
ing on the highest grourrd in his route, the illumination of his fires 
gave the joyful annunciation of his approach to the despairing gar- 
rison. But the hour was close at hand, when this joy was to be 
converted into sadness. 

The large mansion in the centre of the encircling trench, left but 
a few yards of the ground withm the enemy's works uncovered : 
burning the house must force their surrender. 

Persuaded that our ditch would be within arrow shot before noon 
of the next day, Marion and Lee determined to adopt this speedy 
mode of effecting their object. Orders were instantly issued to pre- 
pare bows and arrows, with missive combustible matter. This mea- 
sure was reluctantly adopted ; for the destruction of private pro- 
perty was repugnant to the principles which swayed the two com- 
mandants, and upon this occasion was peculiarly distressing. The 
devoted house was a large pleasant edifice, intended for the summer 
residence of the respectable owner, whose deceased husband had 
been a firm patriot, and whose only marriageable daughter was the 
wife of major Pinckney, an officer in (he South Carolina line, who 
had fought and bled in Iiis country's cause, and was now a prisoner 
with the enemy. These considerations powerfully forbade the ex- 



Southern Department of the United States. 231 

edition of the proposed measure ; but there were others of tnuch 
cogency, which applied personally to lieutenant colonel Lee, and 
gave anew edge to the bitterness of the scene. 

Encamping contiguous to Mrs. Motte's dwelling, this officer had, 
upon his arrival, been requested in the most pressing terms to make 
her house his quarters. The invitation was accordingly accepted ; 
and not only the lieutenant colonel, but every officer of his corps, 
off duty, daily experienced her liberal hospitality, politely proffer- 
ed, and as politely administered. Nor was the attention of this 
amiable lady contined to that class of war which never fail to attract 
attention. While her richly spread table presented with taste and 
fashion all the luxuries of her opulent country, aod her sideboard 
offered without reserve the best wines of Europe — antiquated re- 
lics of happier days — her active benevolence found its way to the 
sick and to the wounded ; cherishing with softest kindness infirmity 
and misfortune, converting despair into hope, and nursing debility in- 
to strength. Nevertheless the obligations of duty were imperative ; 
the house must burn ; and a respectful communication to the lady 
of her destined loss must be made. Taking the first opportunity 
which offered, the next morning, lieutenant colonel Lee imparted 
to Mrs. Motte the intended measure ; lamenting the sad necessity, 
and assuring her of the deep regret which the unavoidable act ex- 
cited in his and every breast. 

With a smile of complacency this exemplary lady listened to the 
embarrassed officer, and gave instant relief to his agitated feelings, 
by declaring, that she was gratified with the opportunity of contri- 
buting to the good of her country, and that she should view the ap- 
proaching scene with delight. Shortly after, seeing accidently the 
bow and arrows which had been prepared, she sent for the lieute- 
nant colonel, and presenting him with a bow and its apparatus im- 
ported from India, she requested his substitution of these, as proba- 
bly better adupted for the object than those vve had provided. 

Receiving with silent delight this opportune present, the lieute- 
nant colonel rejoined his troops, now making ready for the con- 
cluding scene. The lines were manned, and an additional force 
stationed at the battery, lest the enemy, perceiving his fate, might 
determine to risk a desperate assault, as offering the only chance of 
relief. As soon as the troops reached their several points, a flag 
was again sent to M'Pherson, for the purpose of inducing him to 
prevent the conflagration and the slaughter which might ensue, by 
a second representation of his actual condition. 

Doctor Irvine, of the legion cavalry, was charged with the flag, 
and instructed to communicate fiiithfuUy the inevitable destruction 
impending, and the impracticability of relief, as lord Ravvdon had 
not yet passed the Santee ; with an assurance that longer perseve- 
rance in vain resistance, would place the garrison at the mercy of 
the conqueror ; who was not regardless of the policy of preventing 
waste of time, by inflicting exemplary punisbment, where resistance 
was maintained only to produce such waste. The British captain 
received the flag with bis usual politeness^, and heard patiently fr- 



232 Memoirs of the War in the 

vine's explanations ; but he remained imnaoveable ; repeating his 
determination of holding out to the last. 

It was now about noon, and the rays of the scorching sun had pre- 
pared the shingle roof for the projected conflagration. The return 
of Irvine was immediately followed by the application of the bow 
and arrows. The first arrow struck, and communicated its fire ; a 
second was shot at another quarter of the roof, and a third at a third 
quarter ; this last also took effect, and, like the first, soon kindled 
a blaze. M'Pherson ordered a party to repair to the loft of (he 
house, and by knocking off the shingles to stop the flames. This 
was soon perceived, and captain Finley was directed to open his 
battery, raking the loft from end to end. 

The fire of our six pounder, posted close to one of the gable ends 
of the house, soon drove the soldiers down ; and no other effort to 
stop the flames being practicable, M'Pherson hung out the white 
flag. Mercy was extended, although policy commanded death, and 
the obstinacy of M'Pherson warranted it. The commandant, with 
the regulars, of which the garrison was chiefly composed, were tak- 
en possession of by Lee ; while the loyalists were delivered to Ma- 
rion. Among the latter was a Mr. Smith, who had been charged 
with burning the houses of his neighbours friendly to their country. 
This man consequently became very obnoxious, and his punishment 
was loudly demanded by many of the militia serving under the bri- 
gadier ; but the humanity of Marion could not be overcome. Smith 
was secured from his surrounding enemies, ready to devote him, and 
taken under the general's protection. 

M'Pherson was charged with having subjected himself to punish- 
ment, by his idle waste of his antagonists' time ; and reminded as 
well of the opportunities which had been presented to him of sav- 
ing himself and garrison from unconditional submission, as of the 
cogent considerations, growing out of the posture of affairs, which 
urged the prevention of useless resistance by exemplary punish- 
ment. The British officer frankly acknowledged his dependent si- 
tuation, and declared his readiness to meet any consequence which 
the discharge of duty, conformably to his own conviction of right, 
might produce. Powerfully as the present occasion called for pun- 
ishment, and rightfully as it might have been inflicted, not a drop 
of blood was shed, nor any part of the enemy's baggage taken. 
M'Pherson and his officers accompanied their captors to Mrs. 
Molte's, and partook ivitii them of a sumptuous dinner ;* soothing 
in the sweets of social intercourse the ire which the preceding Ci^n- 
flict had engendered. Requesting to be permitted to return to 
Charleston, on parole, they were accordingly paroled, and sent 
off in the evening to lord Rawdon, now engagt^d in passing the San- 

* The deportment and demeanor of Mrs. Motte gnve a zest to the pleasures 
of the table. She did its honours with that unaffected politeness which ever 
excites esteem mingled with admiration. Conversing with ease, vivacity and 
good sense, she obliterated our recollection of the injury sho had received ; and 
though warmly attached to the defenders of her county, the engaging amiability 
of her manners, left it doubtful which set of ofScers consiituted these defenders. 



Southern Department of the United States. 23S 

tee at Nelson':* ferry. Soon after, general Greene, anxious for the 
success of his detachment against fort Motte, attended by an escort 
of cavalry, reached us, for the purpose of knowing precisely our 
situation, and the progress of the British general, who he expected 
would hasten to the relief of M'Pherson, as soon as he should gain 
the southern banks of the Sanlee ; to counteract which the Ameri- 
can general had resolved, and was then engaged in preparing boats, 
to transport his army over the Gongaree. Finding the siege pros- 
perously concluded, he returned to camp; having directed Marion, 
after placing the prisoners in security, to proceed against George- 
town, and ordering Lee to advance without delay upon fort Granby, 
to which place the American army would also move. As soon as the 
troops had finished their repast, Lee sat out with his detachment, 
composed of horse, foot, and artillery ; and marching without inter- 
mi:«sion, he approached the neiglibourhood of fort Granby before 
the dawn of the second day. Brigadier Sumter, having recovered 
of his wound, as soon as he received Greene's despatch from Ram- 
say's mill, assembled his corps of militia. For reasons not under- 
stood by the author, the brigadier, instead of joining Greene before 
Camdet), directed his attention to the fort of Ninety-Six, and its 
upper communications with Charleston, fort Granby, and Orange- 
burgh. He had moved from before fort Granby, but a few days 
bef.'re Lee's arrival, for the purpose of forcing the small post at 
Ormgeburgh, which he accomplished on the 14th. 

Fort Gra'iby was erected on a plain, which extended to the 
southern banks of the Gongaree, near Friday's ferry. Protected 
on one side by that river, it was accessible in every other quarter 
tvith facility ; but being completely tinished, with parapet encircled 
by fosse and abbatis, and being well garrisoned, it could not have 
been carried without considerable loss, except by regular approach- 
es ; and in this way would have employed the whole force of Greene 
for a week at least, in which period lord Rawdon's interposition 
was practicable. Lieutenant colonel Lee, apprized of the readiness 
with which the British general might attempt its relief, determined 
to press to conclusion his operations with all possible celerity, hav- 
ing detached, before he left Motte's, captain Armstrong, with one 
troop of cavalry, to attend to the movements of lord Rawdon. 

As soon, therefore, as he reached the neighbourhood of the fort, 
relying upon the information of his guides, he began to erect a bat- 
tery in the margin of the woods to the west of the fort. The morn- 
ing was unconimonly foggy, which fortunate circumstance gave time 
to finish the battery before it v.'as perceived by the enemy. Cap- 
tain Finlc}', with his six pounder mounted in the battery, was direct- 
ed as soon as the fog should disperse to open upon the fort ; when 
the infantry, ready for action, would advance to gain the ground 
selected for the commencement of our approaches. The garrison 
consisted oJ three hundred and fifty men, chiefly loyal militia, com- 
manded by major Maxwell, of the Prince of Wales's regiment, (a 
refugee from the Eastern Shore of Maryland) represented to Lee 
st« neither experienced in his profession, nor fitted by cast of char- 
So 



234 Memoirs of the War in the 

acter to meet the impending crisis. He was the exact counterpart 
ot M'Pherson ; disposed to avoid, rather than to court, the daring 
scenes ot war. Zealous to fill his purse, rather than to gather mili- 
tary laurels, he had, during his command, pursued his favourite 
object with considerable success, and held with him in the fort his 
gathered spoil. Solicitous to hasten the surrender of the post, 
lieutenant colonel Lee determined to try the effect of negotiation 
with his pliable antagonist ; and prepared a summons, couched in 
pompous terras, calculated to operate upon such an otTicer as Max- 
well was represented to be. The summons was entrusted to cap- 
tain Eggleston, of the legion horse, who was authorized to conclude 
finally upon the terms of capitulation, if he found the enemy dispos- 
ed to surrender. 

The tog ceasing, Finley announced our unexpected proximity, 
which excited much alarm and some confusion, evidently discerned 
from our position. The legion infantry advancing at the same time, 
took possession of the desired ground without opposition ; severing 
the enemy's piquets in this quarter from the fort. Eggleston now 
setting out wilh his flag, produced a suspension of our fire, which 
induced the piquets and patroles, cut off by our disposition, to at- 
tempt to gain the fort. This effort was partially checked by the 
rapid movement of the cavalry ; and an officer was despatched to 
captain Eggleston, requiring him to remonstrate with major Maxwell 
upon the impropriety of the conduct of his piquets and patroles, 
and to demand that he would order them to resume their station ; 
it being never intended, by presenting him with an opportunity of 
avoiding the useless effusion of blood, to permit the improvement 
of his capacity to resist. E^gleslon's remonstrance was duly re- 
spected ; and Maxwell despatched his adjutant with the required 
orders, replacing the portion of his force on duty out of the fort in 
its original station. The negotiation was begun, and the British 
major testified a favourable disposition to the proposition submitted 
to him. After consulting with some of his officers, he agreed to 
deliver up the fort, upon condition that the private property of 
every sort, without investigation of title, should be confirmed to its 
possessors ; that the garrison should be permitted to return to 
Charleston prisoners of war, until exchanged ; that the militia should 
be held in the same manner as the regulars ; and that an escort, 
charged with the protection of persons and of property, should at- 
tend the prisoners to the British army. 

The first condition being diametrically repugnant to the course 
contemplated by Lee, as it prevented restoration of plundered pro- 
perty, captain Eggleston did not think proper to act under the full 
discretion with which he had been so properly invested, but sub- 
mitted by letter the enemy's demands to the lieutenant colonel, ac- 
companied with one from major Maxwell, requiring two covered 
wagons for the conveyance of his own baggage, free from search. 
In reply, Eggleston received directions to accede to the proposed 
terms, with the single exception of all horses fit for public service, 
and to expedite the conclusion of the business. This exception 



Southern Department of the United States. 285 

was ill relished by many of the officers, although not resisted by 
the comtMUfiduit. Fintling that the capitulation would be thus ar- 
ranged, the Uensian officers came in a body to Eggleston, protesting 
against proceeding, unless they were permitted to retain their 
horses , a protest not to be overruled b)- the authority of Maxwell. 
Tlie oapituiition was suspended, and a second time Eggleston found 
It necesjinrj to refer to Lee. About this moment a dragoon arrived 
from captain Armstrong, commanding the detachment of horse near 
lord Rawdon, communicating his lordship's pasS'>ge across the San- 
tee, and his advance towards fort Motte. Had lieutenant colonel 
Lee determined to resist the requisition of the Hessian officers, 
this intelligence would have induced a change in his decision. He 
directed captain E'j:gleston to make known to the officers, that he 
took pleasure in gratifying them, by considering all horses belong- 
ing to individuals in the fort as private property, and claiming only 
such, if any, belonging to the public. 

This obstacle being removed, the capitulation was signed ; and 
the principal bastion was immediately occupied b)' captain Rudolph, 
with a detachment from the legion infantry. Before noon. Maxwell, 
with his garrison, consisting of three hundred and forty men, (sixty 
regulars, the rest loyalists,) the baggage of every sort, two pieces 
of artillery, and two covered wagons, moved from the fort ; and the 
major, with the garrison protected by the stipulated escort, pro- 
ceeded on their route to lord Rawdon. The public stores of every 
sort, consisting chiefly of ammunition, salt, and liquor, were faith- 
fully delivered, and presented a very convenient as well as agreea- 
ble suppl_y to our army. The moment Maxwell surrendered, Lee 
despatched an officer with the information to general Greene, who 
had pressed on with much expedition, and was within a few miles 
of Friday's terry when he received Lee's despatch. The army 
continued its march to Ancram's plantation, near the ferry ; and 
the general, crossing the river, joined his light corps. Delighted 
witli the happy event, his satisfaction was considerably increased 
when he saw the strength of the fort, coneected with that of the 
garrison. He testified with much cordiality, and in most gratifying 
terms, his obligations to the light corps ; applauding as well the 
rapidity of its advance as the vigour of its operations. 

Lord Rawdon made but one day's march towards fort Motte ; 
yielding up with much reluctance his anxious desire to defend his 
line of posts, already broken through in its weakest points, and 
about to be assailed throughout. Retiring to Monk's Corner, he 
there encamped ; impatiently waiting for an accession of force to 
enable him to resume offensive operations. 

Fort Watson, fort Motte, fort Granby, and the fort at Orange- 
burgh, had successively yielded : Marion was now before George- 
town, which was sure soon to fall. Thus in less than one month 
since general Greene appeared before Camden, he had compelled 
the British general to evacuate that important post, forced the sub- 
mission of all the intermediate posts, and was now upon the banks 
. of the Congaree, in the heart of South CaroUna, ready to advauce. 



2S6 Memoirs of the War in the 

upon Ninety-Six, (the only remaining fortress in the state, besides 
Charleston, in the enemy's possession,) and to dotach against Au- 
gusta, in Georgia ; comprehending in this decisive eflort, the com- 
pletion of the deliverance of the two lost states, except the fortifi- 
ed towns of Charleston and Savannah — safe, because the enemy 
ruled at sea. 

The American general, reposing bis army for the day, and 
strengthening the light corps with a battalion of North Carolina leviis 
under major Eaton, directed lieutenant colonel Lee to move upon 
Augusta; to which post brigadier Pickens, with his corps of mili- 
tia had been commanded to repair. Lee commenced his march in 
the course of a iew hours, marching thirteen miles in the evening 
of the day on which Maxwell had surrendered. Resuming motion 
at a very early hour in the mornins, he pressed forward with the 
utmost expedition ; relieving the fatigued infantry by occasionally 
dismounting his dragoons and mounting his infantry. Not only the 
claim for celerity, arising out of the general state of affairs, enforced 
this exertion ; but there was cause to apprehend that lieutenant colo- 
nel Cruger, appiised of lord Rawdon's abandonment, first of Camden 
and lastly of the field, would, in consequence of these untoward 
events, hasten to Augusta ; giving up South Carolina to save Geor- 
gia. To reach Pickens before Cruger could join Browne, be- 
came, in this view of events, a duty of the first importance. Pic- 
kens and Lee united could readily strike Cruger on his march, with 
the prospect of bringing him to submission. This done, the de- 
struction of Browne only remained to be effected for the complete 
re-annexation (except the sea coast) of these stales to the Union. 

Approaching in the course of his march the point nearest Ninety- 
Six, lieutenant colonel Lee detached a squadron of horse, under 
major Rudolph, towards that post, for the purpose of ascertaining 
whether the enemy exhibited the appearance of breaking up, and 
with the hope by this sudden dash of seizing some of the garrison ; 
a very acceptable present to the American general, then on his 
march for that place, and in want of that accurate information to he 
derived only from residents in the place. Rudolph concealing his 
approach, appeared suddenly near the town ; but was not so fortu- 
nate as to find a single individual of the garrison without the lines. 
He seized one or two countrymen returning home, who accompa- 
nied him to camp. From these we learnt that lieutenant colonel 
Cruger was uninformed of the events that had lately taken place ; 
but hearmg of Greene's advance upon Camden, he had been indus- 
triously engaged in strengthening his fortifications, and was deter- 
mined not to abandon his post. Lee despatched a friendly country- 
man to general Greene with the intelligence procured, which ba- 
nished all those apprehensions heretofore entertained lest Cruger 
might unite himself to Browne. Persevering in his march, lieu- 
tenant colonel Lee reached on the third day the vicinity of Augusta, 
which is seventy-five miles from fort Granby, preceded by captain 
0'Neale,vvith a light party of horse, charged with the collection 
of provisions and intelligence. From this active and dieoerning 



Southern Department of the United States. 257 

officer the pleiisins; information was received of (he recent arrival 
of the amuial royal present to tl)e Indians, u-hich was deposited at 
fort Galphin, about twelve miles below Augosta, on the north side 
of the river, consisting of articles extn-mely wanted in the Ameri- 
can camp.* To relieve the wants of the army was in ilselfgraleful 
b jt tills inteliicjence was important in a military view ; because it 
shavvftd that colonel Browne's force in Augusta was reduced by de- 
tachments from it to secure his deposit at fort Galpliin. Two com- 
panies of infantry now made the garrison of this latter post, which 
was a small stockade. Persuaded that his approach was alike un- 
known to Browne and to the officer commanding here, from the pre- 
cautions which, by means of his su|>erior cavalry, he had been ena- 
bled to adopt, Lee determined by a forced march, with a detachment 
of infantry mounted behind his dragoons, to seize the Indian pre- 
sent. Leaving Eaton behind with his battalion, the artillery, and 
the tired of the corps, to follow, he accordingly pus4ied on to fort 
Galphin. 

On the ensuing morning (21st of May,) sultry beyond meastare 
the fatigued detachment gained the desired point ; and halting in the 
pine barrens which skirted the field surrounding the fort, waited 
for the moment of assault. For many miles not a drop of water 
bad been procurable ; and the extreme heat of the scorchino- sun 
rendered more oppressive by the necessary halt under the pines, 
without any liquid whatsoever to revive sinking n;iture, produced a 
debility forbidding exertion. Having with him some mounted mili- 
tia, Lee directed Ihem to dismount and to advance upon the fort in 
the opposite direction — not doubting that the garrison, as was the 
custom, would eagerly pursue them, when an opportunity would be 
presented of obtaining the contemplated prize without loss. The 
major part of the garrison, as had been expected, ran to arms oo 
sight of the militia and. leaving the fort, pursued them. A selec- 
tion having been made of all the infantry whose strength was fitted 
for action, a portion of them under captain Rudolph was ordered to 
rush upon the fort, while the residue, supported by a troop of dra- 
goons, took a direction which shielded the militia from the menaced 
blow. Rudolph had no difficulty in possessing himself of the fort, 
little opposition being attempted, and that opposition being instantly 
crushed. We lost one man from the heat of the weather ; the ene- 
my only three or four in the skirmish. The garrison, with the va- 
luable deposit in its keeping, gave a rich reward for our toils and 
sufTerings. Never was a beginning more auspicious. This success 
not only deprived Browne of a very important portion of his force, 
but yielded to his enemy an abundance of supplies much wanted by 
the army of Greene, — among which were the essentials of war, 
powder and ball — which articles had become scaice in the Araeri- 

* Powder, ball, small arms, liquor, salt, blankets, with sundry small articles, 
were gained, one of the many usefbl and valuable acquisitions occasionally 
procured by the legion ; for which, of the promised remuneration, not a cent 
ias beep ever paid to officer or soldier. 



258 Memoirs of the War in the 

can camp, notwithstanding the occasional contributions of the seve- 
ral posts wrested from the enemy. 

Lieutenant colonel Lee, reposing his infantry for a few hours, 
detached major Eggleston, at the head of his horse, to pass the Sa- 
vannah below Augusta ; and, taking a western direction, to join a 
corps of militia, known to be in the neighbourhood, under colonel 
Clarke, in case brigadier Pickens should not yet have arrived. 
Eo'gleston was also ordered to make himself thoroughly acquainted 
with the enemy's situation for the information of his commandant, 
who wished to begin his operations the moment of his arrival ; and 
was further enjoined to send in a flig with a summons from himself, 
statinor the near approach of part of Greene's a'-my, with the inves- 
titure of Ninety-Six by the main body under the general himself; 
and urging the propriety of sparing the useless waste of life — tlie 
certain consequence of resistance, — cruel, because vain. The sub- 
stitution of a second officer for his superior in summoning the fort 
arose t>om the course taken by Browne. He had refused to re- 
ceive flags, forbidding all intercourse with the militia officers ; and 
Lee, having profited by negociation at fort Granby, was desirous of 
removin'^ the obstacles which prevented resort to the like course 
here. To effect this, he thought it advisable to authorize Eggles- 
lon, then the senior continental officer on the south of 'he Savan- 
nah, to attempt negotiation. Browne, either discrediting the infor- 
mation contained in the summons, or immutable in the decision he 
had taken, would not answer the letter addressed to him, and for- 
bad the renewal of such communication. 

In the evening lieutenant colonel Lee, with the artillery and in- 
fantry, joined Eggleston, then united to the militia under Pickens 
and Clarke, and encamped in the woods to the west of Augusta. 
Thi? town is situated on the southern banks of the Savannah, in an 
oblong plain, washed by the river on the east and covered by deep 
woods in the opposite direction. In its centre stood fort Cornwal- 
lis, judiciously constructed, well finished, and secure from storm. 
A half mile in its front up (he river, the plain is interrupted by a 
lagoon or swamp with a rivulet passing through it ; and oa the 
northwestern border of thi* lagoon was erected another, but infe- 
rior lortress, called Grierson, from the militia colonel who com- 
manded its garrison. Browne conducted the Bri.ish force in upper 
Qeorgia, and resided in fort Cornwallis. Lieutenant colonel Lee, 
hearing from Eijgleston the affrontive rejection of his proffered ne- 
gotiation, was considerably ruffled at the contemptuous treatment 
received, and determined never to enter into any communication 
with the British commandant until solicited by himself. Thus de- 
cided he was gratified in discovering the divided condition of the 
gfjgfny its re2;ulars in fort Cornwallis and its militia in fort Grier- 
son • not doubting, if the moment was duly improved, that a tender 
of negotiation, on the part of Browne, would follow. 

While the troops, still concealoJ, were engaged in taking re- 
freshments, lieutenant colonel Lee employed himself in examining 
the ground. He did not hesitate in his decision, which was in- 



Southern Department of the United States. 239 

stantly to drive Grierson out of his fort, and to destroy or intercept 
hitu lu lus relteal to tort Cornwallis. 

Cominuiiicating hi^ plan lo Pickens and Clarke, it was adopted ; 
and tiie troops were soooatier arrayed for executing it. 

Brigadier Fickeus with the miluia was to attack the fort on its 
nortij and west; major Eaton «ith his baltahon, by passing dowa 
the north side of the lagoon, was to approach it on the south, co- 
operating with the militia ; while lieutenant colonel Lee, with tiis 
infantry and artillery, was to move down the lagoon on its southern 
margin, parallel vvitn Eaton, ready to support his attack it requir- 
ed, or to attend to the movemenis of Browne, should he venture 
to leave his defences and interpose with a view to save Grierson. 
The cavalry under Eggleston, were ordered to draw near to Ibrt 
Coinwallis, keeping in the wood and ready to fall upon the rear of 
Browne should he advance upon Lee. These arrangements being 
finished, the several coinmandants proceeded to their respective 
points. Lee's movement, open to view, was soon discerned by 
Browne, who, drawing his garrison out of his lines accompanied by 
two held pieces, advanced with the appearance of risking battle to 
save Grierson, now assailed t)y Pickens and Eaton. This forward 
movement soon ceased. Browne, not deeming it prudent, under 
existing circumstances, to persevere in its attempt, confined his 
interposition to a cannonade, which was returned by Lee, with 
very little ellect on either side. * Grierson's resistance was quickly 
overpowered ; the fort was evacuated ; himselt with his innjor and 
many ot his garrisun killed ; the lieutenant colonel with others 
taken ; and4he tew remaming, by reaching the river, escaped un- 
der cover and concealment of its banks to lort Cornwallis. Lieu- 
tenant colonel Browne, perceiving the fall of this post, withdrew m 
to his fort ; and ajiprenending, from what he had seen, that he had 
to deal with troops htted lor war, applied himself to sireiigtnening 
his situation. Whatever was attainable in the town, and necessary 
to his defence, was now procured ; and every part of the works 
requiring amendment was repaired wuh industry. These exer- 
tions on the part of the enemy could not be counteracted ; all now 
to be done was to assume proper stations for close investiture, and, 
by regular approaches, lo compel his surrender. 

In the late contest our loss was trivial, — a few wounded, and few- 
er killed. But unhappily among the latter was major Eaton of 
North Carolina, who had served only a few weeks with the light 
corps, and in that sliort period had endeared hiuiself to his com- 
mandant and fellow soldiers by the amiaUilily of his manners. He 
fell gallantly at the head of his battalion in the moment of victory. 

* The militirx of Georgia, under colonel Clarke, were so exasperated by the 
cruellies mutually inflicted in the course of the war in tiiis state, that tiiey were 
disposed to sacrifice every man taken, and with preat difficulty was this disposi- 
tion now suppressed. Poor Grierson and several others liad been killed after 
surrender; and although the American commandants used every exertioB, and 
offered a large rewaid to detect the murderers, no discovery could be made. In 
no part of the South was the war conducted with such asperity as in this quar- 
ter. It often sunk into barbaiitv. 



240 Memoirs of the War hi the 

On the banks of the Savannah, south of the higoon near its flow 
into the river, was situated a large brick building, the mansion- 
house of a gentleman who had joined the enemy. Here lieutenant 
colonel Lee with his corps took post, while brigadier Pickens with 
the militia occupied the woods on the enemy's left. The morning 
was spent in ascertaining the most eligible mode of approach ; to 
execute which all the requisite tools found at fort Galphin, with 
many collected from the neighbouring farms, had been brought to 
camp. 

Fort Cornwallis was not far from the Savannah river, the shelter 
of whose banks aflbrded a safe route to the troops. It Was deter- 
mined to break ground in this quarter, and to extend our works to- 
wards the enemy's left and rear. 

General Greene did not continue in his camp at Friday's ferry 
longer than to give time to lieutenant colonel Carrington to pro- 
cure means for the transportation of the stores gained by the fall 
of fort Granby, all of which were necessary to the army tn the 
proposed operations. Takmg the direct road for Ninety-Six, he 
sat down before it on the 2'2d ; his effective tbrce, exclusive of 
militia, not exceeding one thousand : Marion, after taking George- 
town, having continued in that quarter tor the protection of the 
country ; and Sumter who had joined Greene while at Friday's fer- 
ry, being sent to apply his attention to the care of the region south 
and west of the Congaree. 

Ninety Six derives its natne from the circumstance of its being 
^ilnety-six miles distant from the principal town of the Cherokee 
Indians, called Keeowee ; and is the ciiief village in the district of 
country lying between the Saluda (the southern branch of the Con- 
garee) and the river Savannah, the southwestern boundary of the 
state, to which district it gives its name. 

The country is strong, the climate salubrious, and the soil fertile ; 
arul Nilielj-Six exceeded in its white population any of the nine 
districts into which South Carolina is divided. When the British 
recovered the state, here, as has been before qhserved, was fixed 
a post — forming, with Camden to its right and Augusta to its left, 
the frontier barrier established for the security of the country, 
'i'he village of Ninety Six, previous to the war, had been slightly 
fortified (or defence against the neighbouring Indians. These works 
vvere considerably strengthened after the arrival of the British 
tioops ; and additional fortifications, to secure the post from as- 
sault, were erected under the superintendence of lieutenant Hal- 
dane, of the corps of engineers, aid-de camp to lord Cornwallis. •*! 

Lieutenant colonel Cruger, the present commandant, was a native 
of New York, of respectable connexions, who had taken part from 
the lir-t with the British army, and commanded one of the provin- 
cial regiments raised in (hat stale. FI;s garrison amounted to (ive 
hundred and fifty men ; three hundred and fifty of whom were re- 
gulars, and, like himself, Americans ; the residue were loyal mih- 
tia of South Carolina, conducted by cob^nel King. On (he left of 
the village, iu a valley, ran a small rivulet which furnished water to 



Southern Department of the United States, 241 

the town and troops. Passing this rivukt westwardly, you ascend 
an eminence, on which was erected a stockade fort, which, with the 
fortified prison contiguous to the valley, constituted the chief de- 
fence of the water. On the right of the viHage stood the princi- 
pal work, called the star, from its form It consisted of sixfeett 
salient and re-entering angles, with a ditch, frieze, and abbatis ; 
and was judiciously designed, and well executed. We have before 
mentioned that lord Rawdon, previous lo his retreat from Camden, 
had informed lieutenant colonel Cruger of the changed and chang- 
ing condition of affairs, with orders to him to evacuate Ninety-Sis 
and to join Browne in Augusta ; but that all his attempts to com- 
municate with Cruger had been frustrated. Entirely ignorant of 
these events, lieutenant colonel Cruger, nevertheless, guided by 
his own reflections, wisely employed his time in making all the ne- 
cessary repairs to his works and some additional defences. A mound 
of earth, parapet high, was thrown up around the stockade, and 
secured by abbatis ; blockhouses were erected, traverses made, 
and covered communications between the difi'erent works establish- 
ed. Throughout the preparations directed by Cruger, the garrison, 
regulars and militia, ofiicers and soldiers, vied with each other in 
the execution of their commandant's orders. The appearance of 
Greene's army increased tiie vigorous exertions of Cruger and his 
garrison, in completing their defensive measures ; and very soon 
the works became strong, afi'ording additional confidence to the 
besieged. 

Colonel Kosciusko, a Polish officer, at the head of the engineerg 
in the southern army, was considered skilful in his profession, and 
much esteemed for his mildness of disposition and urbanity of man- 
ners. To this officer general Greene committed the designation of 
the course and mode of ai)proach. Never regarding the impor- 
tance which was attached to depriving the enemy of water, for 
which he depended on the rivulet to his left, Kosciusko applied his 
undivided attention to the demolition of the star, the strongest point 
of the enemy's defence. Breaking grounii close lo this fortress, he 
laboured during the first night with diligence, but had not been 
able to place in great forwardness his incipient works. No sooner 
was this attempt of the besieger perceived, than lieutenant colonel 
Cruger determined to prepare a platform in one of the salient an- 
gles of the star, opposite to our works, for the reception of three 
pieces of artillery, all he possessed, with intention to cover a de^ 
tachment charged with the expulsion of our working parties, to be 
followed by a second for the demolition of the works. Before noon 
the platform was finished, and the artillery mounted in it. The 
parapet was manned with infantry ; and the sallying party under 
lieutenant Roney, supported by major Green, ready in the enemy's 
ditch, rushed upon our works, covered by the artillery and mm- 
ketry. Roney drove before him our guards and working parties, 
putting to the bayonet all whom he found ; and was followed by a 
detachment of loyalists, who quickly demolished the works, carry- 
ing off the intrenching tools. The enemy sustained no loss in this 
.31 



^42 Memoirs of the War in the 



first exhibition of his decision and courage, but that of lieutenant 
Roney, who died of a vvobnd be received while gallantly leading 
on his men. 

So judiciously vvas this sally planned, and so rapidly conducted, 
that, although Greene instantly sent a detachment to support Kos- 
ciusko, the ot^jfict was accomplished before support could arrive. 
Taught by this essay that his enemy was of a cast not to be rashly 
approached, Kosciusko was directed to resume his labours under 
cover of a ravine, and at a more respectful distance. He broke 
ground again in the night of the i3d, still directing his approaches 
against the star redoubt. 

Pickens and Lee pressed forward their measures against fort 
Cornwallis with zeal and diligence ; but not with the wished for 
celerity, so vigilant and resolute was the active and sagacious officer 
opposed to them. The condition of several of the wounded taken 
in the attack on fort Grierson called for various comforts not to be 
found in the American camp, and the principal officer who had been 
taken asked permission to procure the requisite supply from colonel 
Browne, whom he knew to be well provided, and whose disposition 
to cherish his soldiers he had often experienced. To this application 
Pickens and Lee answered, that, after the ungracious determination 
to ftop all intercourse, announced by the commandant of tort Corn- 
wallis, disposed as they were to obey the dictates of humanity, it 
could not be expected that any consideration could prevail with 
them again to expose the American flag to contumely. If, however, 
he thought proper to wait upon colonel Browne, they would permit 
him to proceed whenever he pleased, on the faith ot his parole, re- 
turning immediately alter receiving Browne's reply. 

This ofler was cheerfully accepted, and a letter was prepared on 
the part of the American commandants, expressing the regret with 
which they permitted a flag to pass from their camp, though borne 
by a British olTicer, after the treatment experienced upon a late 
occasion ; and assuring the commandant of fort Cornwallis, that no 
consideration affecting themselves or their troops would ever have 
led to such a condescension. 

To this letter Browne returned a very polite answer by the pri- 
soner (whose application was instantly complied with,) excusing 
what had passed by a reference to some previous altercations, which 
had rendered such a decision necessary on the part of the British 
commandant, so long as the individual to whom he alluded continued 
to command,* and whom he really did believe had sent in the flag 
refused to be received, not knowing or suspecting the extraordinary 
change of force opposed to him which had taken place. Pickens 

* The individual meant was colonel Clarke. Browne, and lliis officei had 
before (as will be recollected) a very severe conflict. Clarke was often beating 
up the British quarters, and striking at the light parties of the enemy, cliiefly 
loyalists; with whom and the militia a spirit of hate and revenge had succeed- 
ed to those noble feelings of humanity and forgiveness which ought ever fo 
actuate the soldier. At length all intercourse between the troops was broken 
oif, and the vanquished lay at the mercy of the victor.^ 



Southern Department of the United States. 243- 

and Lee were very much gratified (hat, while obeying the claims 
of humanity, they should have produced a renewal of intercourse, 
without which the contest drawing to a close could not be terminat- 
ed hut by a painful waste of human life. 

The works contiguous to the river had advanced nearly to thu 
desired state, and those which had been subsequently commenced 
in the rear of the fort began to assume a formidable appenrance ; 
yet extreme difficulty occurred in the consummation of the plan 
adopted by the besiegers, as the surrounding ground presented no 
swell or hill which would enable them to bring their six pounder to 
bear upon the enemy, it was determined to resort to the Maham 
tower, the effect of which Lee had so happily witnessed at fort 
Watson ; and ordei^ were accordingly issued to prepare and bring 
in timber of such a size as would sustain our only piece of artillery. 

Browne heretofore had patiently looked on at our approach, 
diligently working within his fort, as we discovered by the heaps of 
fresh dug earth in various directions, but with what view remained 
unascertamed. Seeing that his enemy's works were rapidly ad- 
vancing, he now determined to interrupt our progress by sallies^ 
however hazardous, which he foresaw could alone retard his ap- 
proaching fate — hoping that in the delay he might find safety. On 
the 28lh he fell upon our works in the river quarter at midnight, 
and, by the suddenness and vigour of his onset, drove the guard be- 
fore him ; hut the support under captain Handy* coming up, after 
an obstinate conflict, regained the trenches, and forced the enemy 
to take shelter in the fort. The determined spirit manifested by 
the foe in this attempt to destroy our approaches, induced lieute- 
nant colonel Lee to appropriate his infantry exclusively for their 
defence at night, relieving them from any further share in labour 
and from every other duty. It was divided into two divisions, to 
one of which was alternately committed the protection of our 
works. On the succeeding night Browne renewed his attempt in 
the same quarter ; and for a long time the struggle was contmued 
with mutual pertinacity, till at length captain Rudolph, by a com- 
bined charge with the bayonet, cleared the trenches, driving the 
enemy with loss to his strong hold, On the 3()th the timber re- 

*In the progress of this work under the hands of its author, reference was 
frequently had to the authority and reminiscences of colonel Howard, and he 
suggested, on one of those occasions, that captain Oldhani should be mentioned 
during the siege of Aiig;usta, instead of captain Handy. He repeated tlie same 
suggestion recently to me. The author however adhered to his own impression, 
and the result of my inquiries having justified me that captain Hnndy was dis- 
tinguisl)ed in tlie affair, i have not felt myself at liberty, liighly as I respect the 
authority of colonel Howard, and the memory of captain Oldham, to varj' the 
reading so deliberately insisted on by the author. I'o the nanie of captain 
Oldham, too much praise cannot be given. He was engaged in almost every 
action in the south, and was uniformly distinguished for giillyntry and good 
conduct. With the e.\ceplion of Kirkwood of Delaware, and Rudolph of the: 
legion infantry, he was probably entitled to more credit than any (jflicir of his 
rank in Greene's army. A distinction which must place him high on the rolls 
of fame. In the celebrated charge on the British at Eutaw, o*. thirty six men, 
which he led, all but eight were killed or wounded; yet he forced the enemy -E*. 



2144 Memoirs of the War in the 

quired to build the Maham tower was prepared and conveyed to 
the intended site. In the evening we commenced its erection, un- 
der cover of an old house to conceal our object from the enemy. 
In the course of the night and ensuing day we had brought our 
tower nearly on a level with the enemy's parapet, and began to till 
its body with fascines, earth, stone, brick, and every other conveni- 
ent rubbish, to give solidity and strength to the structure. At the 
same time the adjacent works, in the rear of the fort, were vigor- 
ously pushed to the enemy's left to connect them with the tower, 
the point of termination. 

Browne's attention was soon drawn to this quarter ; and, penetrat- 
ing tlie use to which the log building would be applied, be deter- 
mined to demolish it without delay. 

Pickens and Lee, well assured from what had passed that their 
judicious opponent would leave nothing unessayed within his power 
to destroy their tower — on the completion of which their expecta- 
tion ot immediate success chiefly depended — determined to prepare 
before night for the counteraction of any attempt which might be 
tnade. The lines in that quarter, entrusted to the militia, were 
doubly manned ; and Handy's division of the infantry, though on 
duty every other night, was drawn from the river quarter to main- 
tain the militia. The North Carolina battalion supplied its place ; 
and to captain Handy on one side, and to captain Rudolph on the 
other, (approved officers) were committed henceforward the pro- 
tection of our lines. The tower was designated as the peculiar ob- 
ject of attention, and to its defence one company of musketry was 
exclusively applied. Not more than one third of the night had 
passed when the enemy began to move ; concealing his real object 
by renewing his attempt upon the river quarter, where Rudolph, 
with his accustomed gallantry, gave him a warm reception. While 
the contest here was bravely urged, and as bravely sustained, lieu- 
tenant colonel Browne, with the elite of his garrison, fell upon our 
works in his rear. Here for awhile the militia of Pickens contend- 
ed with vigour, but at length were forced by the bayonet out of the 
trenches. Handy, leaving one company at the tower, with his main 
body hastened to support the militia, who very gallantly united with 
the regulars, and turned upon the successful foe. The conflict be- 
came furious ; but at length the Marylanders under Handy carried 
the victory by the point of the bayonet. Upon this occasion the 
loss on both sides exceeded all which had occurred during the siege. 
Browne, finding that every effort to destroy our ivorks by open war 
proved ineffectual, now rc!»orteJ to stratagem. Lee had omitted to 
pull down,* as was originally intended, the old wooden house, un- 
der cover of which the tower had been commenced, and which by 
accidentally taking tire would have probably consumed it. This 
house allracted Browne's notice, and he determined, by burning it, 

* This omission resulted from that spirit of procrastination cominon to n,an, 
and was certainly higlily reprei;e:)sible. Luckily no injury resulted, whereas 
veiy great might have ensued. 



I 



Southern Department of the United States. 245 

to rid himself of the tower. He had by this time erected a plat- 
form in one ot the angles of the fort opposite to our Maham tower, 
and which, being mounted with two of his heaviest pieces or ord- 
nance, opened upon it before it was finished. 

Nevertheless the exertions ot the builders did not slacken, and 
on the tirst of June the tower was completed, and was found to 
overlook the enemy's parapet. The upper logs having been sawed 
to let in an embrasure for our six pounder, it only remained to 
make an apron upon which the matrosses could draw up their piece 
to the floor of the tower. 

This was done in the course of the day, and at dawn on the se- 
cond our six pounder was mounted, completely commanding the 
enemy's fort. Finley instantly announced his readiness to act by 
returning the enemy's cannonade, which had been continued with- 
out intermission. Before noon the enemy's two pieces were dis- 
mounted from the platform, and all the interior of the fort was rak- 
ed, excepting the segment nearest lo the tower, and some other 
sj)Ols sheltered by traverses. It was now that lieutenant colonel 
Browne determined to put in execution his concerted stratagem. 
In the course of the night a deserter from the fort was sent to lieu- 
tenant colonel Lee. He was a Scot, with all the wily sagacity of 
his country, and a sergeant of the artillery. Upon being questioned 
upon the etfect of our cannonade, and the situation of tha enemy — ■ 
he answered, that the strange loghouse lately erected, gave an ad- 
vantage, which, duly improved, could not fail to force surrender; 
but that the garrison had not suffered so much as might be presum- 
ed ; that it was amply supplied with provisions, and was in high 
spirits. In the course of the conversation which followed, Lee in- 
quired, in what way could the effect of the cannonade be increased ? 
Very readily, replied the crafty sergeant, adding : that knowing the 
spot where all the powder in the fort was deposited, with red hot 
balls from the six pounder, the maga/.ine might be blown up. This 
intelligence was received with delight, and the suggestion of the 
sergeant seized with avidity, although it would be very difficult to 
prepare our balls, as we were unprovided with a furnace. It was 
proposed to the sergeant, that he should be sent to the officer com- 
manding our battery, and give his aid to the execution of his sugges- 
tion, with assurances of liberal reward in case of success. This 
proposition was heard with much apparent reluctance, although 
every disposition to bring the garrison to submission was exhibited 
by the sergeant, who pretended that Browne had done him many 
personal injuries in the course of service. But he added, it was 
impossible for him to put himself in danger of capture, as he well 
knew a gibbet would be his fate, if taken. A good supper was now 
presented to him, with his grog ; which being finished, and being con- 
vinced by the arguments of Lee, that his personal safety could not be 
endangered, as it was not desired or meant that he should take any 
part in the siege, but merely attend at the tower lo direct the pointing 
of the piece, he assented ; declaring that he entered upon his task 
with dire apprehensions, and reminding the lieutenant colonel of his 



246 Memoirs of the War in the 

promised reward. Lee instantly put him in care of his adjutant, to 
be dehvered to captain Finley, with (he information communicated, 
for the purpose of blowing up the enemy's magazine. 1( was mid- 
night ; and heutenant colonel Lee, expecting on the next day to be 
much engaged, our preparations being nearly completed, retired to 
rest. Reflecting upon what had passed, and recurring to the cha- 
racter of his adversary, he became muclrdisquieled by the step he 
had taken, and soon concluded to withdraw (he sergeant from the 
tower. He had not been many minutes with captain Finley, before 
an order remanding him was delivered, committing him to the quar- 
ter guard. In the morning we were saluted with a new exhibition^ 
unexpected though not injurious. Between the quarters of Lee 
and the fort stood four or live deserted hou«es ; some of them near 
enough to the fort to be used with eti'ert by riflemen from their up- 
per stories. They had often engaged the attention of Pickens and 
Lee, with a view of applying them, whenever the enemy should be 
assaulted, to aid in covering their attack. Browne, sallying out be- 
fore break of day, set tire to all but two of the houses. No at- 
tempt was made to disturb the operation, or to extinguish the 
flames iif(er the enemy had returned ; it being deemed improper to 
hazard our troops in elTecting any object not material in its conse- 
quence. Ofthe two left, one was more commodious for the purpose 
originally contemplated by Pickens and Lee in the hour of assault. 
The besiegers being incapable of discovering an}' reason for (he 
omission to burn (ho two houses, and especially that nearest the 
tort, various were their conjectures as to the cause of sparing them : 
some leading to the conclusion that they were left purposely, and 
consequently with t!ie view of injuring the assailant. The fire 
from the tower continued, and being chiefly directed against the pa- 
rapet fronting the river, in which quarter the {»roposed attack 
would be directed, demonstrated satisfactorily that the hour had ar- 
rived to make the decisive appeal. Orders were accordingly is- ■ 
sued to prepare for the assault, to take place on the next day at 
the hour of nine in the forenoon. In the course ofthe night, a party 
of the best marksmen wore selected from Picken's militia, and sent 
to the house spared by Browne, and nearest to the fort. 

The officer commanding this detachment, was ordered to arrange 
his men in the upper story, for the i)urpose of ascertaining the 
number which could with ease use their rifles out of the windows, 
or any other convenient aperture : then to withdraw, and report to 
the brigadier. It was intended, before daylight, to have directed 
the occupation ofthe house by the same officer, with such a force 
of riflemen as he should report to be sufficient. Handy was order- 
ed to return to the river quarter at the dawn of day, as to his de- 
tachment and the legion infantry the main assault would be com- 
mitted. These, with all the other preparations, being made, (he 
troops continued in their usual stations — pleased that (he time was 
near which wotild close with success their severe toils. 

About three in the morning of the fourth of June, we were 
aroused by a violent explosion, which was soon discovered to have 



Southern Department of the United States. 247 

shattered the very house intended to be occupied by the rifle party 
before daybreak. It was severed and thrown into the air thirty or 
forty feet high, its fragnnents faMing oil over the field. This ex- 
plained, at once, not only the cause of Browne's omitting its de- 
struction, but also communicated the object of the constant digging 
which had until lately employed the besieged. 

Browne pushed a sap to this house, which he presumed would 
be certainly possessed by the besieger, when ready to strike his 
last blovv ; and he concluded, from the evident maturity of our 
works, and fron) the noise made by the militia, when sent to the 
house in the first part of the night, for the purpose of ascertaining 
the number competent to its capacity, that the approaching morning 
was fixed for the general assault. Not doubting but the house was 
occupied with the body destined to hold it, he determined to de- 
prive his adversary of every aid from this quarter ; hoping, too, 
by the consternation which the manner of destruction could not fail 
to excite, to damp the ardour of the troops charged with storming. 

Happily he executed his plan too early for its success, or our 
gallant band would certainly have shared the fate of the house. 
This fortunate escape excited grateful sensations in the breasts of 
the two commandants, for the gracious interposition of Providence :, 
and added further evidence of the penetration and decision which 
marked the character of their opponent. The hour of nine ap- 
proached, and the columns for assault were in array, waiting the 
signal to advance. Pickens and Lee having determined, as inter- 
course with the fort was now open, to present to the enemy another 
opportunity of avoiding the impending blow by capitulation, had 
despatched a flag, with a joint letter, adapted to the occasion. 
Lieutenant colonel Browne, in reply, repeated his determination 
to defend the post. This resolution could not be maintained ; and 
on the next day an officer with a flag, proceeded from the fort. 
The bearer was received at the margin of our trenches, and present- 
ed a letter addressed to the two commandants, olTering to surrender 
upon conditions detailed in the communication. Some of these being 
inadmissible, the ofler was rejected, and other propositions made, 
which would be ratified by them, if acceded to by Browne. This 
discussion produced the delay of one day, which was gratifying to 
Browne ; it being unpleasant to surrender on the birth day of his 
king. * The tefms, as altered, were accepted ; and eight o'clock 

* Bjigadier Pickens and lieutenant rohnd Lee, to lieutenant colonel Broione. 

Augusta, May 3l5/, 1781. 
Sir:. 
The usage of war renders it necessary timt we present you witfi an opportu - 
iiity of avoiding the desttuction which impends your garrison. 

We have deferred cur summons to this late date, to preclude tlie necessity of 
much correspondence on the occasion. Yoii see the strength of the investing 
forces ; the progress of our works ; and you may inform yourself of the situ- 
a.lion of the two armies, by inquirie'S from captain Armstrong, of the legion, 
who has tl>e honour to hear this. 



248 Memoirs of the War in the 

in the morning of the 5th was designated for the delivery of the 
fort, &c. to captain Rudolph, appointed on the part of the victors 

Lieutenant colonel Browne, «i a7iswer, to Pickens and Lee. 
Gentlemen : 
"What progress you have made in your works I ani no stranger to. It is my 
duty and inclination to delend this place to tlie last extremity, 

Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant colonel Browne. 

Augusta, June^d, 1781. 
Sir: 
It is not our disposition to press the unfortunate. To prevent the effusion of 
blood, which must follow pevsevereiice in your fruitless resistance, we inform 
you, that we are willing, though in the grasp of victory, to grant such terms 
as a comparative view of our respective situations can warrant. 

Your determination will be considered as conclusive, and will regulate out 
conduct. 

Lieutenant Colonel Browne, to Pickens and Lee. 

Fort Cormvallis, June 3rd, 1781. 
Gentlemen : 
1 have the honour to acknowledge tlie receipt of your summons of this day, 
and to assure you, that as it is my duty, it is likewise my inclinationi to defend 
the post to the last extremity. 

Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant coloticl Browne. 

Headquarters, June 4th, 1781. 
Sir: 

We beg leave to propose, that the prisoners in your possession may be sent 
out of the fort ; and that they may be considered yours or ours, as the siege 
may terminate. 

Confident that you cannot oppose the dictate of humanity and custom of war, 
we have only to say, that any request from you of a similar nature, will meet 
our assent. 

Lieutenant colonel Browne, to Pickens and Lee. 
Gentlemen: 

Though motives of humanity, and a feeling for the distresses of individuals, 
incline me to accede to what you have proposed concerning the prisoners with 
us ; yet many reasons, to which you cannot be strangers, forbid my complying 
with this requisition. Such attention as I can show, consistently with good pol- 
icy and my duty, shall be shown to them. 

Lieutenant colonel Browne, to Pickens and Lee. 
Gentlemen : 
In your sunmions of the 3d instant, no particular conditions were specified ; 
I postponed the consideration of it to this day. 

From a desire to lesson the distresses of war to individuals, I am inclined to 
propose to you my acceptance of the inclosed terms ; which being pretty similar 
10 those granted to the conmianding officers of the American troops and garrison 
in Charleston, I nnagine will be honourable to' both parties. 

Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant colonel Browne. 

June5tli,mL 
Sir: 

There was a time when your proposals of this day ought to have been ac- 
cepted. That period is now passed. You had every notice from us, and roust 
iiave known the futility of your further opposition. 



Southern Department of the United States. 249 

to (ake possession of it with its appurtenances. At the appointed 
hour the British garrison marched out, lieutenant colonel Browne 

Although we should be justified by the militarj' law of both armies to demand 
unconditional submission, our sympathy for the uiifoitunate and gallant of our 
profession, has induced us to grant tlie honourable terms which we herewith 
transmit. 

Lieulenant coloiul Browne, to Pickens and Lee. 

June 5th, 1781. 
Gentlemen : 
Your proposition relative to the officers of the king's troops and militia beirtg 
admitted to their paroles, and the exclusion of the men, is a matter I cannot 
accede to. 

Tiie conditions I have to propose to you are, that such of the diiferent classes 
of men who compose this garrison be permitted to o.arch to Savannah, or con- 
tinue in the country, as to tliem may be most eligible, until exchanged. 



Sir : 



Pickens and Lee, to lieutenant colonel Browne, 

June 5th, 1781. 



In our answer of this morning, we granted the most generous terms in our 
power to give, which we beg leave to refer to as final on our part. 

Lieutenant colonel Browne, to Pickens and Lee. 

Gentlemen : 

As some of the articles proposed by you are generally expressed, I have ta- 
ken the liberty of deputing three gentlemen to wait upon you, for a particulas 
explanation of the respective articles, 

.Articles of Capilulalion, 'proposed by lieulenant colonel Thomas Browne, and 
answered by general Pickens and lieutenant colonel Lee. 

Article 1st. That all acts of hostilities and works shall •ease between the 
besiegers and the besieged, until the articles of capitulation shall be agre.ed on, 
signed and executed, or collectively rejected. 

Answer. Hostilities shall cease for one hour ; other operations to continufr. 

Art. 2d. That the fort shall be surrendered to the conmianding cfficer of the 
American troops, such as it now stands. That the king's troops, three days 
after signing the articles of capitulation, shall be conducted to Savainiah, with 
their baggage; where they will remain prisoners of war until they are exchang- 
ed. That proper conveyances shall be provided by the commanding officer of 
the American troops for that purpose, together with a sufficient quantity of good 
and wholesome provisions till their arrival at Savannah. 

Ans. Inadmissible. The piisoners to surrender field prisoners of war: the 
officers to be indulged with their paroles ; the soldiers to be conducted to such 
place as the commander in chief shall direct. 

Art. 3d. The militia now in garrison shall be permitted to return to their re> 
spective homes, and be secured in their persons and properties. 

Ans. Answered by the second article, the militia making part of the garrison. 

Art. 4. The sick and wounded shall be under the care of their own surgeons, 
and be supplied with such medicines and necessaries as are allowed to the Bri- 
tish hospitals. 

Ans. Agreed, 

Art, 5. The officers of the garrison, and citizens who have borne arms during 
the siege, shall keep their side arms, pistols, and baggage, which shall not be 
searched, and retain their servants. 
33 



250 Memoirs of the War in the 

having been taken into the care of captain Armstro"ng, of the Jra- 
goons, with a safe guard to protect his person from threatened 
violence.* This precaution, suggested by our knowledge of the 
inveteracy with which the operations in this quarter had been con- 
ducted on both sides, turned out to be extremely fortunate ; as other- 
wise, in all probability, the laurels acquired by the arms of America 
would have been stained by the murder of a gallant soldier, who 
^lad committed himself to his enemy on their plighted faith. Browne 
was conveyed to Lee's quarters, where he continued until the next 
day, when hunself and a few of his officers were paroled, and sent 
down the river to Savannah, under the care of captain Armstrong, 
with a party of infantry, who had orders to continue with lieutenant 

Ans. The officers, and citizens wlio have borne arms during the siege, shall 
be permitted their side arms, private baggage, and servants; their side aims 
not to be worn, and the baggage to be searched by a person appointed for that 
purpose. 

Art. 6th. The garrison, at an hour appointed, shall march out with shoulder- 
ed arms .Mid drums heating, to a place agreed on, where they will pile their arms. 

Ans. Agreed. Thf judicious and gallant defence made by the garrison, enti- 
tles them to every mark of military respnct. The fort to be deliveicd up to 
captain Rudolph at twelve o'clock, who will take possession with a detachment 
of tiie legion infantjy. 

Art. 7ih. That the citizens shall be protected in their persons and properties. 

Ans. Itiad missible. 

Art. 8 That twelve months shall be allowed to nil such as do not choose to 
reside in this country, to dispose of their effects, real and personal, in this pro- 
vince, without any molestation whatever; or to remove to any part thereof as 
they may choose, as well themselves as families 

.\ns Inadmis^iible. 

An 9. That tiie Indian families now in garrison, shall accompany the king's 
troops to Savannah, where they will remain prisoners of war, until exchanged 
for an cqunl number of prisoners in the Creek or Cherokee nations. 

Ans. Answered in the second article, 

Art. 10. That an e.xpress be permitted to go to Savannah with the command- 
ing officer's despatches, which are not to be opened. 

Ans. Agreed. 

Art. II. (.Additional.) The particular attention of colonel Browne is expect- 
ed towards the just delivery ot all public stores, moneys, &c. ; and that no loans 
be permitted to defeat the spirit of this article. 

Signed at Headquarters, Augusta, June 5th, 1781, by 

ANDREW PICKENS, Brig. Militia. 

HENRY LEE, jun. Lt. Col. Commandant, V. L. 

THOMAS BROWNE, Lt. Col. commanding the 
king's troops at Augusta. 

♦This precaution was indispensable. Already had the humanity of the be- 
sieging corps been dreadfully outraged by the slaughter of colonel Grierson, and 
some of his associates. To risk a repetition of the same barbarity, would have 
justly exposed the commandants to reproach and censure. It was determined 
to take measures in time to prevent such an issue. Lieutenant colonel Browne's 
life was, we knew, sought with avidity ; consequently it became our duty to 
secure his person before the garrison marched out. Browne had himself suffer- 
ed very cruel and injurious personal treatment in the beginning of the revolu- 
tion ; and succeeding events more and more embittered both himself and the 
Georgia militia, heretofore his only opponents, till at length in this quarter a 
war of extermination became the order of the day. 



Southern Department of the United States-. 251 

colonel Browne until he should be placed out of danger. Durina^ 
the few hours' residence iu Lee's quarters, (he British colonel in° 
quired after his artillery sergeant, who had, a iew nights before, 
deserted from the fort. Upon being told that he was iri the quarter 
guard, he took the tirst opportunity of soliciting from Lee his res- 
titution ; frankly declaring that he was no deserter, but was pur- 
posely sent out by him in that character, to destroy by fire the 
newly erected loghouse, which he plainly discerned to be destruc- 
tive to his safety, and which his sergeant undertook to do, while 
pretending to direct our fire with the view of blowing up the maga- 
zine of the fort. 

This communication showed the danger to which the beseigers 
were exposed for a few minutes, by the readiness with which lieu- 
tenant colonel Lee entered mto the plan of the deserter, but which, 
upon further reflection, he fortunately changed ; and demonstrates 
the gre-tt caution with winch the otfer of aid from deserters ought 
to be received ; especially when coming from a besieged fortress 
on the point of surrender, and in the care of an experienced and 
sagacious soldier. The request of Browne was granted, and the 
sergeant with joy rejomed hn commander. As soon as the capitu- 
lation was signed, preparations for decamping were begun, and early 
the next morning, the baggage of the corps under Lee was trans- 
ported across the Sava >nah ; about noon, the infantry followed ; 
and in the evening of the Gth, Lee joined with his cavalry ; pro- 
ceeding with expedition to Ninety Six, in obedience to orders from 
general Greene. Brigadier Pickens remained at Augusta until con- 
veyance for the stores taken there and at fort Galphin could be 
provided ; which b6ing accomplished in a few days, he also marched 
for headquarters. Without delay, at'ter the British garrison had 
laid down their arms, Pickens and Lee despatched intelligence of 
the event to Greene ; who announcing the success in general or- 
ders, was pleased to express to the two commandants, and their 
respective corps, the high sense he entertained of their merit and 
service, with his thanks for the zeal and vigour exhibited in the exe- 
cution of the duty assigned to them. Lee pressing forward with 
despatch, reached Ninety Six on the forenoon of the 8th. Two 
routes led south of the enemy to the American heatlquarters, which 
had been established on the enemy's right. The officer despatched 
with the garrison of fort Cornwallis in his charge, mistaking the 
intended course, took the road nearei^t to the town, which brought 
Ins troops under command of the enemy's batteries for a small dis- 
tance. Believing that the exhibition was designed with a view to 
insult the feelings of the garrison, lieutenant colonel Cruger gave 
orders for the contiguous batteries to open upon this corps, not- 
withstanding it enveloped his fellow soldiers taken at Augusta, and 
was very near chastising the supposed bravado, which in fact was 
only the error of the conducting officer. Luckily no inj\iry was 
sustained ; but the officer was very severely reprimanded by lieu- 
tenant colonel Lee, for the danger to which his inadvertance had 
exposed the corps. 



252' Memoirs of the War in the 

General Greene had exerted himself, with nnretnitting industry, 
to comj)lete the works ngainst the star redoubt ; to which single 
object colonel Kosciusko directed all his eiTorts. The enemy's 
left had been entirely neglected, although in that quarter was pro- 
cured the chief supply of water.* As soon as the corps of Lee en- 
tered camp, that otlficer was directed to take post opposite to the 
enemy's left, and to commence regular approaches against the stock- 
ade Very soon Lee pushed his ditch to the ground designated foi 
the erection of the battery, under the cover of which the subse- 
quent approaches would be made. In the course of the next day 
this battery was erected, and lieutenant Finn, with a six pounder, 
took possession of it. The besiegers advancing closer and closer, 
with caution and safety, both on the right and left, lieutenant colo- 
nel Cruger foresaw his inevitable destruction, unless averted by the 
approach of lord Rawdon. To give time for the desired event, he 
determined, by nocturnal sallies, to attempt to carry our trenches ; 
and to destroy with the spade whatever he might gain by the bayo- 
net. These rencontres were fierce and frequent, directed some- 
times upon one quarter and sometimes upon another : but so judi- 
cious had been the arrangement? of the American general to coun- 
teract these expected attempts, that in no one instance did the Bri- 
tish commandant succeed. The mode adopted was nevertheless 
pursued without inlermission ; and although failing to effect the chief 
object contemplated, became extremely harassing to the American 
army, — whose repose during the night was incessantly disturbed, 
and whose labour in the day was as incessantly pressed. Ignorant 
of the situation and prospects of the British general as lieutenant 
colonel Cruger continued to be, he nevertheless indulged the con- 
fidence, that every effort would be made for his relief, and perse- 
vered with firmness and vigour in his defence. As soon as the se- 
c'ond parallel was finished, general Greene directed coloiiel Wil- 
liams, adjutant general, to summon the British commandant ; slating 
to him his relative situation, and assuring him that perseverance in 
resistance would be vain, and might produce disagreeable conse- 
quences to himself and garrison. Cruger returned, by ii is adju- 
tant, a verbal answer ; declaring his determination to hold out to 
the last extremity, and his perfect disregard of general Greene's 
promises or threats. Failing in this attempt, our batteries opened 
from the second parallel, under cover of which Kosciusko pressed 
forward his approach with indefatigal>le labour. 

Lord Rawdon heard, with deep regret, the loss of Augusta, and 
was not insensible to the danger which threatened Nim-ty-Six ; but 
destitute of the means to furnish immediate relief, he was obliged 

* Kosciusko was pxtiemely amiable, aiif^, I believe, a truly good man, nor 
was hp deficient in his pmfessioiial knowledge ; but lie was very moderate in 
talent,— not a fpark of the ethcrial in his composition. His blunders lost 113 
Ninety-Six ; and general Greene, much as he was beloved and respected, did 
not escape criticism, for permitting his engineer to direct the manner of ap- 
proach. It was said, and with some justice too, that the genernl ought certainly to 
have listened to his opinion ; but never ought to have peruiitted the p'jisuit cf 
error, although suppoiied by professional authoiity. 



Southern Department of the United States. 253 

(0 arm himi=clf with pntience, anxiously hoping (hat every southern 
gale would waft to him the long expected reintbrcenient. 

On the 3d ot" June ihis event took place, and his lordship instantly 
prepared to take the field. On the 7th he set out from Charleston 
for the r-'lief of Ninety-Six, with a portion of the three regiments 
just arrived from Ireland, and was joined on his route hy the troops 
from Monk's Corner, giving him a total of two thousand men. All 
his endeavours to transmit information to Crnger having failed, his 
lordsfiip apprehended, that, pressed by the difficulties to which 
thai officer must be reduced, and despairing of succour, he might be 
induced to surrender, with a view to obtain favourable conditions for 
his garrison ; to stop which, he renewed his ellorts to advise him 
of the propitious change of his condition, and his consequent advance 
for his relief. 

Greene was informed by Sumter, on the llih,of the arrival from 
Ireland, and of the measures immediately taken by Kavvdon to re- 
sume offensive operations. Directmg Sumter to keep in his lord- 
.ship's front, he reinforced him with all his cavalry, conducted by 
lieutenant colonel Washington ; urging the brigadier to exert every 
niean'5 in his power to delay the advance of the British army. Ma- 
rion was also ordered to hasten from the lower country, as soon as 
he should discover the intention of Rawdon to move upon Greene ; 
and brigadier Pickens, just joined from Augusta, was detached to 
Sumter. 

Oiiv approaches continued to be pushed with unabated diligence, 
in the hope tii.it they might be brought to maturity in time to en- 
force the submission of the garrison, before the British general 
could make good his long march. 

We now be:ian to deplore the early inattention of the chief engi- 
neer to the enemy's left ; persuaded that had he been deprived of the 
use of the rivulet in the beginning of the siegi. he must have been 
forced to surrender before the present hour. It was deemed prac- 
ticable to set fire to the stockade fort, and thus to demolish the 
water defence on the left of the rivulet. In the succeeding day, a 
dark violent storm came on from the west, without rain. Lieuten- 
ant colonel Lee proposed to g.^ner:il Greene to permit him to make 
the attempt. Tliis being granted, a sergeant with nine privates of 
the legion infantry, furnished with combustible matter, was directed 
to approach the stockade in the most concealed direction, under 
cover of the storm, while the batteries in every quarter opened upon 
the enemy, and detnonsiralions of striking at the star redoubt were 
made, with the expectation of diverting his attention fiom the intre- 
pid party, which, with alacrity, undertook the hazardous enterprise. 
The sergeant conducted his gallant band in the best manner ; con- 
cealing it whenever the ground permitted, and when exposed to 
view crawling along upon the belly. At length he reached the ditch 
with three others ; the whole close behi^nd. Here unluckily he 
was discovered, while in the act of applying his fire. Himself and 
five were killed ; the remaining four escaped unhurt, although 
many muskets were discharged at them running through the field, 



254 Memoirs of the War in the 

before they got beyond the nearest rise of ground which could cover 
them from danger. After this disappointment, nothing remained 
but to force our works to maturity, and to retard the advance of the 
British army. In the evening, a countryman was seen riding ahing 
our hues south of the town, conversing famiharly with the officers 
and soldiers on duty. He was not regarded, as from the beginning 
of the siege our friends in the country were in the habit of visiting 
camp, and were permitted to go wherever their curiosity led them, 
one of whom this man was presumed to be. At length he reached 
the great road leading directly to the town, in which quarter were 
only some batteries thrown up for the protection of tiie guards. 
Putting spur to his horse, he rushed with full speed into town, re- 
ceiving the inetfectual tire of our sentinels and guards nearest to 
him, and holding up a letter in his hand as soon as he cleared him- 
self of our tire. The propitious signal gave joy to the garrison, 
who running to meet their friend, opened the gate, welcoming hivS 
arrival with loud expressions of joy. He was the bearer of a des- 
patch from Rawdon to Cruger, communicating his arrival at Orange- 
burgh in adequate force, and informing him that he was hastening to 
his relief. This intelligence infused new vigour into the garrison. 

It also inspired the besieger with additional motives to push to 
conclusion his preparations, as he now yielded up every hope here- 
tofore derived from Cruger's ignorance of the movement of the 
British general, and the forwardness of our works. Major Greene, 
who commanded in the star »vith great ability, finding that our third 
parallel was nearly finished, and that a Maham tower was erecting 
which would overlook his parapet, very judiciously covered it with 
sandbags, to lessen the capacity derived from superior height, 
leaving between each bag an aperture for the use of his riflemen. 
Nor were the approaches on the loft less forward than those on the 
right ; they not only were directed against the stockade, but also 
were carried so near the rivulet, as to render 9U{)plies of water diffi- 
cult and precarious. The fire during the 17th was so effectual, as 
to induce the enemy to withdraw his guards established between 
the rivulet and the stockade; and parties of the troops on the left 
were posted in various points, to annoy the communication with the 
rivulet. These arrangements succeeded throughout the day com- 
pletely, and the enemy suffered greatly from this privation, though 
accomplished too late to produce material advantage. Rawdon 
continued to advance by forced marches, and inclining to his right, 
made a vigorous push to throw himself oetween Sumter and Greene. 

In this effort he completely succeeded, and thus baffled all the 
measures adoi)ted by Greene to delay his approach. It now became 
necessary to hazard an assault, to meet Rawdon, or to retire. The 
American general was disposed to immitafe Caesar at Alesia ; first to 
beat the relieving army, and then to t.ike the besieged town. But 
his regular force did but little exceed the half of that under Rawdon, 
which added to his militia, consisting of the corps of Sumter, Marion 
and Pickens, still left him numerically inferior to the British gene- 
ral. Nevertheless confiding in his known superiority of cavalry. 



Southern Departmenl of the United States. 25B 

he woald have given battle to his lordship, could he have left an 
adequate corps to attend to the garrison. Compelled to relinquish 
this plan, he determined to storm the fort, although his works were 
yet unfinished. On our left, our third parallel was completed, two 
trenches and a mine were nearly let into the enemy's ditch, and the 
Maham tower was finished. 

On our right, the trenches were within twenty yards of his ditch ; 
and the battery directed by lieutenant Finn, gave to the assailant, 
in this quarter, advantages which, well supported, ensured success. 
Greene, anxiously as he desired to conclude his severe toils in tri- 
umph, was averse to the unequal contest to which he must necessa- 
rily expose his faithful troops, and would probably have decided on 
the safe course, had not his soldiers, with one voice, intreated to be 
led against the fort. The American army having witnessed the un- 
conquerable spirit which actuated their general, as well as the un- 
expected results of former battles, could not brook the idea of 
abandoning the siege, without one bold attempt to force a surrender. 
They recollected, with pain and remorse, that by the misbehaviour 
of one regiment at the battle of Guilford, and of another at Hob- 
kick's bill, their beloved general had been deprived of his merited 
laurels ; and they supplicated their otficers to intreat their comman- 
der to give them now an opportunity of obliterating their former 
disgrace. This generous ardour could not be resisted by Greene. 
Orders were issued to prepare for storming ; and the hour of 
twelve on the next day (18th June) was appointed for the assailing 
columns to advance by signal from the centre battery. 

Lieutenant colonel Campbell, of the first Virginia regiment, with 
a detachment from the Maryland and Virginia brigades, was charged 
with the attack on the let't ; and lieutenant colonel Lee, with the 
legion infantry and Kirkwood's Delawares, with that on the right. 
Lieutenants Duval of Maryland, and Seldon of Virginia, commanded 
the forlorn hope of Campbell; and captain Rudolph, of the legion, 
that of Lee. Fascines were prepared to fill up the enemy's ditch, 
long poles with iron hooks were furnished to pull down the sand- 
bags, with every other requisite to facilitate the progress of the 
assailant. At eleven the third parallel was manned, and our sharp 
shooters took their station in the tower. The first signal was an- 
nounced from the centre battery, upon which the assailing columns 
entered the trenches ; manifesting delight in the expectation of car- 
rying by their courage the great prize in view. 

At the second cannon, which was discharged at the hour of twelve, 
Campbell and Lee rushed to the assault. Cruger, always prepared, 
received them with his accustomed tirmness. The parapets were 
manned with spike and bayonet, and the riflemen, fixed at the 
sand bag apertures, mnintained a steady and destructive fire. Du- 
val and Seldon entered the enemy's ditch at different points, and 
Campbell stood prepared to support them, in the rear of the party 
furnished with hooks to pull down the sand bags. This party had 
also entered the enemy's ditch, and began to apply the hook. Un- 
covering the parapet now would have given us victory ; and such 



556 Memoirs of the War in the ' 

wa? the vigorous support afforded by the musketry from the third 
parallel, from the riflemen in the tower, and from the artillery 
mounted in battery, that sanguine expectations of this happy issue 
were universally indulged. The moment the bags in front were 
pulled down, Campbell would have mounted the parapet, where 
the struggle could not have been long maintained. Cruger had pre- 
pared an intermediate battery with his three pieces, which he occa- 
sionally applied to right and left. At first it was directed against 
Lee's left, but very soon every piece was applied upon Campbell's 
ri2;ht, which was very injurious to his column. 

Major Green, commanding in the star redoubt, sensible of the 
danger to which he was exposed, if the attempted lodgment upon 
his front curtain succeeded, determined to try the boyonet in his 
ditch as well as on his parapet. To captains Campbell and French 
was committed this bold effort. Entering into the ditch through a 
sally-port in the rear of the star, they took opposite directions, and 
soon came in contact, the one with Duval, the other with Seldon. 
Here ensued a desperate conflict. The Americans, not only light- 
ing with the enemy in front but with the enemy overhead, sus- 
tained gallantly the unequal contest, until Duval and Seldon became 
disabled by wounds, when they yielded, and were driven back with 
great loss to the point of entry. The few surviving escaped with 
the bookmen to our trenches, where yet remained Campbell, the 
sand-bags not being removed. On the left, the issue was very dif- 
ferent. Ru.dolph gained the enemy's ditch, and followed by the 
column, soon opened his way into the fort, from which the enemy, 
giving their last tire, precipitately retrented. 'V'easures were in 
train on the part of Lee, to follow up his blow by passing the rivu- 
let, entering the town, and forcing the fortified prison, whence the 
left might htive yielded substantial aid to the attack upon the star, by 
compelling Cruger to struggle for the town, or forcing him with all 
his troops to take refuge in the star ; a siluation not long to be held, 
crowded as he mu.st have been, and destitute of wafer The ad- 
verse fortune experienced by our left column, made the mind of 
Greene return to his cardinal policy, the preservation of adequate 
force to keep the iield. 

Charmed with the courage displayed in his view, and regretting 
its disadvantageous ap[>licalion, he sent orders to Campbell to draw 
off, and to Lee to desist from further advance, but to hold the 
8tock;ide abandoned by the enemy. 

Our lo.-s amounted, during the siege, to one hundred and eighty- 
five killed and wounded ; thiit of the garrison to eighty-five. Cap- 
tain Armstrong, of the Maryland line, was (he only officer killed 
on oui- side, as was lieutenant Roney the only one on theirs. After 
our repulse, Greene sent a flag to lieutenant colonel Cruger, pro- 
posing a cessation of hoslilities for the purpose of burying the dead j 
but as to the burial of the dead the proposition was rejected, Cru- 
ger not choosing to admit our participation in a ceremonial which 
custom had appropriated (o the victor. ' 

As soon as it vvas dark, the detachment was withdrawn from the 
stockade, aud preparations were begun for retreat. 



Southern Department of the United States. 251 

On the 19th, Greene communicated to Sumter the event of the 
preceding day, advised him of (lie route of retreat, nnd ordered (he 
corps in his front, with the cavalry under Washington, to join hiin 
with celerity. Taking leave of i\lrs. Cruger and Mrs. Green, and 
leaving for the protection of the hidies the usual guard,* until col. 
Cruger should be advised of his retreat, and take his measures for 
their security, the Americ m general withdrew, having two days 
before sent forward his sick and wounded During the preceding 
night, gloom and silence pervaded the American camp : every one 
disappointed — every one mortitied. Three days more, and Ninety- 
Six must have fallen ; but this short space was unattuiuattle. l-aw- 
don had approached our vicinity with a force not to be resisted, 
and it only remained to hold the aimy safe, by resuming tliat system 
which adverse fortune had rendered familiar to us. Greene alone 
preserved his equanimity ; and, highly pleased by the unshaken 
courage displayed in the assault, announced his grateful sense of 
the conduct of the troops, as well during the siege as in the attack ; 
presaging from the past, the happiest result whenever an opportu- 
nity should be presented of contending with the enemy upon equal 
term.' — to the attainment of which his best exertion? would be in- 
variably directed, relying, as he did, upon the same dauntless spirit 
recently exhibited. Conscious as the army was of hnving done its 
duly, it derived consolation from this exhilarating address, and bury- 
ing in oblivion the grating repulse, looked forward with the antici- 
pation of soon displaying their courage in a decisive battle. 

General Greene, moving with celerity, gained ihe Saluda, where 
he was joined by his cavalry. Storming a rear-guard of bi^ horse, 
the legion infantry and Kirkwood's Delawares, he continued his 
retreat towards Charlotte in North Carolina, and pasjsed successively 
the Enoree, the Tiger and Broad rivers, his sick and wounded con- 
tinuing to precede him. 

In the morning of the 21st, the British army reached Ninety-six, 
having for fourteen days been incessantly pressing forward by forced 
marches ; exposed not only to the privations inseparable from rapid 
movement through an exhausted country, but also to the southern 
sun, in the sultry season debilitating and destruciive. 

Here followed a delightful scene, and one which soldiers only 
can enjoy. The relieving army was welcomed with the fulness of 
gratitude due to its exertions and their effect. Responsive to this 
was the hearty applause bestowed on the garrison, equally merited 

* When general Greene approached Ninety Six, he found the ladies of lieu- 
tenant colonel Cruger and iiiiijor Green in a farmhouse in the neighbourhood. 
The American general tranquillized the fears of the ladies, and as they pre- 
ferred continuing where they were, he not only indulged tiicni, but placed a 
guard at the house fur their protection. The guard was left until lieutenant 
colonel Cruger was apprised of our departure, when he sent the guard with his 
passport to rejoin our army. Some hours after Greene had withdrawn, one of 
our light parties, absent some days, returneil, and piissii.g Ijy the farni-liouse, 
was going directly to our late camp before Ninety-Six, when Ms. Cruger send- 
ing for the officer, communicuted what had happened, and initructed him to over* 
;ake iJie retiring gsncral. 

33 



268 Memoirs of the War in the 

by the courage and firmness displayed thro«ghout the late trying 
period. Officer einbrncing officer, and soldiers mingling with sol- 
diers, gave themselves up to those gratulations resulting from the 
happy conclusion of their mutual toils and mutual perils. This 
pleasing scene lasted only a few hours ; for Rawdon, not satisfied 
with the relief of Ninety-Six, flattered himself with adding to the 
triumph already gained, by destroying or dispersing the army of 
Greene. Having replaced his fatigued and sick with a part of the 
force under Cruger, notwithstanding his long march, notwithstand- 
ing the sultry season, he moved in the evening in pursuit of Greene. 

Passing the Saluda he pressed forwurd to the Enoree, on the 
south side of which his van came up with the American rear under 
Washington and Lee. Although his lordship had, during his repose 
in the lower country, contrived to strengthen himself by a newly 
raised corps oi horse und«?r major Coffin,* he did not derive, in 
this excursion, any material good from this accession of force. No 
attempt was hazarded against the Ameri'Can rear, which, conscious 
of its superior cavalry, retired slowly, always keeping the British 
van in view. While at the Enoree, lord Rawdon acquired infor- 
mation which convinced him of the impracticability of accomplish- 
ing his enterprise, and induced him to sp.ire his harassed troops 
unnecessary incre;ise of fatigue. Halting here for the night, the 
British general retraced his steps next morning to Ninety Six. This 
being made known to Greene, he directed lieutenant colonel Lee 
with his corps to follow the enemy, for the purpose of obtaining 
and communicating intelligence. After reaching Ninety-Six, Raw- 
don prepared to evacuate the post ; and having entered into arrange- 
ments with the loyalists of that district for the removal of them- 
selves and ftjmilies into the lines intended to be retained, he adopt- 
ed a plan of retreat calculated to secure the undisturbed execution 
of his views. Despatching orders to lieutenant colonel Stewart to 
advance with his regiment tVom Charleston, (and to take in his 
charge a convoy destined for the army) to Friday's ferry, on the 
Congaree, his lordship, leaving at Ninety-Six the major part of his 
force, took with the residue the direct road for the concerted point 
of junction. 

Cruger was ordered to hasten the preparations necessary for the 
removal of the loyalists, then to abandon the theatre of his glory, 
and by taking a route considerably to his lordship's right, to inter- 
pose the river Edisto I^etween himself and his enemy, moving down 
its southern banks to Orangeburgh, where the road from Friday's 
ferry to Charleston crossed that river. This disposition was ad- 
vantageous to the column of Cruger, which was the most vulnera- 
ble, being heavily encumbered with property of the loyalists, as 
well as with public stores. But it would not have availed, had not 
the distance from Ci uger been too great for Greene to overtake 

* The corps was badly mounted — 'Small meagre horses being the only sort 
procur^iblc. The best officers and the best riders, thus mounted, cannot |iand 
folfrablt^ cavalry, much less such as then composed our iiear. 



Southern Department of the United States. 259 

liim, without much good fortune, before he should place himself 
behind the Edisto ; jifer which, the course of Cruger's route would 
expose Greene to the sudden and co operative attack of Rawdoii 
and lieutenant colonel Stewart. When the determination of the 
British general to abindon Ninetv-Six, and with it all the upper 
country yet held by him, was communicated to Greene, he imme- 
diately drew near to the enemy, in order to seize any advantage 
which might present itself; previously directing his hospital and 
heavy baggage at VVinnsborough to be removed to Camden. As 
soon as the preparations tor the evacuation of Ninety-Six and the 
removal of the loyalists had advanced to their desired maturity, 
Ravvdon separated himself from Cruger, and marched to Friday's 
ferry ; inviting, in appearance, the American general to strike 
Cruger. 

For the reasons before assigned, this course of operations was 
avoided, and general Greene determined to pursue Rawdon ; and 
in this decision he was confirmed by the information derived from 
an intercepted letter from lieutenant colonel Balfour, the command- 
ant of Charleston, to lord Rawdon, stating the reasons which pro- 
duced the recall of Stewart with his corps, after he had commenced 
his march towards Friday's ferry, in pursuance of orders from Corn- 
wallis, Lee was accordingly directed to continue close to the British 
army, and to gain its front upon reaching Friday's ferry, where he 
wnuld find Sumter and Marion, ordered to take the same position, 
with the confident expectation that, by th^^ir united exertions, the 
advance of lord Rawdon, (uninformed of Stewart's recall,) should he 
quit his position on the Congaree, might be retarded until Green« 
could come up with him. Obeying this order, lieutenant colonel 
Lee continued on the left flank and rear of the retiring army ; when 
finding that his lordship had halted at Friday's ferry, he prepared 
in the course of the night to pass from the left to the right flank of 
the enemy, the Congaree river rendering this change in directian 
indispensable ; as otherwise the enemy's front could not be gained, 
who was on the south of that river, and Lee's position to the real* 
of the British being on its north. Well apprized, tVom his knowl- 
edge of the adjacent country acquired when before fort Granby, 
July that only the rich settlement south of Friday's ferry could 
8th. afford sufficient forage for the British army, Lee determined 
to avail himself of the probable chance to strike the enemy, whicTi 
would be presented the ensuing morning by the Bi itish foragers. 
In the evening he directed caj)tain Eggleston, of the cavalry, to 
proceed with thirty dragoons along the enemy's right, and taking 
with him Armstrong, previously despatched in that quarter with a 
reconnoitring party, to make in the course of the night a proper 
disposition of his force for the contemplated purpose. Eggleston 
immediately joined Armstrong, and repaired to the expected thea- 
tre of action, placing himself in a secret and convenient position. 
Soon after day-light, the next morning, a foraging party, consisting 
of fifty or sixty dragoons and some wagons, were discovered ap- 
proaching the very farm to which Eggleston had d.irected his atten,' 



260 Memoirs of the War in the 

tion. As soon as the wagons and escort had advanced within reach 
of Ei;;gieston, he rushed upon the enemy, broke up the foragers, 
routed the party, and brought off forty five dragoons prisoners. 
'J'his handsomely executed strolie was the more agreeable, as Eg- 
gleston, by hisjudicious position and rapid charge, contrived to ac- 
complish his object without any loss. General Greene compliment- 
ed the captain and party in general orders ; and the legion horse 
derived credit with the enemy, very flattering to its reputation, 
from the brilliant success of this detachment. 

The prisoners being despatched to head quarters, lieutenant col- 
onel Lee pursued his route to the enemy's front, which passed over 
a difficult defile in a line with the British camp. The infantry, 
preceding the cavalry, was directed to pass the defile, and to occupy 
the heights on the left to cover the horse, whose passage was te- 
dious, they being compelled to move in single file. The course 
taken by Lee was too near the enemy, and his cavalry must have 
suffered considerably had Rawdon been apprized of his movement 
and of the dillioulty of the defile in his route. When the troops in 
the centre had entered the defile, we were alarmed by beating to 
arms in the camp of the infantry, which was soon followed by their 
forming in line of battle. 

This unexpected event was felt by all, but most by the amiable 
surgeon* of the infantry, who was at that moment leading his 
horse through the defile. Not doubting but that battle must in- 
stantly take place, and believing the wiser course was to avoid it, 
the surgeon turned his horse with a view of getting (as he believed) 
out of danger ; never reflecting in his panic that the passage did 
not admit the turning of a horse. Ductile to the force of the bridle, 
the horse attempted to turn about, but was brought upon his head 
athwart the narrow passage, from which position he could not pos- 
sibly extricate himself The troop, which had passed the defile, 
instantly galloped up the hill and arrayed with the infantry, while 
the remaining two troops were arrested by the panic of an individual. 

Eggleston, who commanded the troop so unhappily situated, dis- 
mounting several of his strongest dragoons, pulled the horse back 

* Alexander Skinner was a native of Maryland, He was virtuous and sen- 
sible ; full ol original humour of a peculiar cast ; and eccentric in mind and man- 
ners. Ill person and in love ofgdod cheer, as v/ell as in dire objection to the field 
ol battle, he resembled with wonderful similitude Shakspeare's Falstaff. Yet 
Skinuer had no hesitation in fighting duels, and had killed his man. 'j'herefore 
when urged by his friends why he, who would, when called upon by feelings of 
honour to risk his life in single combat, advance to the arena with alacrity, 
should abhor so dreadfully the field of battle, — he uniformly in substance an- 
swered, that he considered it very arrogant in a surgeon (whose province it was 
to take care of the sick and wounded) to be aping the demeanor and duty of a 
coifiniissioned officer, whose business was to fight: an arrogance which he cor- 
dially conieiiined, and which he should never commit. Moreover, he would 
add, that he was not more indisposed to die than othnr gentlemen ; but that be 
had an utter aversion to the noise and turmoil of battle. It stunned and stupi- 
fied him. However, when Congress should think proper to honour him with a 
commission, he would convince all doubters that he was not afraid to push the, 
farayonet. 



Southern Department of the United States. 261 

again lengthways of the defile. He had then space to use his limbs, 
and soon stood upon his feet, and our deranged and distressed cavalry 
were enabled to p;iss the defile. This accident interrupted the 
progress of the horse for ten minutes, — ample time for their de- 
struction, had the enemy been at hand. It turned out that captain 
Haiidy, tlie officer of the day, deviating a little from his course in 
visaing the sentinels, was seized by a sniall patrole of the enemy, 
and carried ort' out of musket fire ; there he was stripped of his 
watch and money, and left upon condition of not stirring until his 
captors should reach a designated point in view, when he was [)er- 
milted to return to his corps. It was his return which produced 
that sudden change upon the hill, which as suddenly alarmed our 
surgefln, and led to the described occurrence in the defile. The 
remainder of the cavalry hurried, as they passed, to join their 
friends ; and lieutenant colonel Lee with the last troop at length 
got over. Finding no enemy, as, from what had passed, was strongly 
apprehended, the agitating scene concluded with continuance of 
the march, after some humorous animadversions on the surprised 
captain and the American Falstaft". Moving in silence, and with 
much caution, at length the legion reached undisturbed the enemy's 
front. Here it turned towards the British camp, and Rudolph with 
the infantry drove in the piquets at the bridge over the water course 
which had just been passed. 

Having destroyed the bridge, and posting guards along the water 
course to the river, Lee encamped one mile in the enemy's front, 
expecting hourly to hear of the advance of the corps under Sumter 
and Marion. 

Lord Rawdon was not inattentive to the changing condition of 
affairs. The daring measures executed in his view was truly in- 
terpreted. Not joined by Stewart, and unacquainted with the cause 
of his delay, he determined not to risk the approach of Greene. 
He accordingly put his army in motion, and despatched his light 
troops to the river shore, where the creek in his front emptied into 
the river, and where the meeting of the waters farmed a bar. As 
soon as the light troops made good their passage, the American 
guards were driven in and the bridge re[)!aced, over which the 
main body and baggage of the enemy proceeded, forcing Lee before 
them. 

The whole evening was spent in rapid movement ; the corps 
of Lee falling back upon Beaver creek, in the confident expectation 
of being immediately joined by Sumter, Marion, and Washington, 
when a serious combined effort would have been made to stop the 
progress of the enemy. In this expectation, founded on Greene's 
despatch, Lee was disappointed : neither Sumter, Marion, nor 
Washington appeared, nor was any communication received from 
either. Lieutenant colonel Lee, not doubling that the wished for 
junction would be effected the next morning, determined, if practi- 
cable, to establish his night quarters near Beaver creek, on the 
south side of which the road by the Eutaws and Motte's post fi'om 
Charleston intersected that from Charleston, bv the wav «.>f Orange- 



262 Memoirs of the War in the 

burgh. This spot, too, gave advantages favourable to that effort 
which it was presumed would follow the union of the three corps. 

Rawdon, still uninformed as to Stewart, and feeling his own infe- 
riority, persevered in his determination to avoid any exposure ; not 
> doubting that the American general was pressing forward to bring 
him to action before he could be reinforced. He continued to ad- 
vance until nine p. m., when he halted for the night : Lee, moving a 
few miles in his front, took up also his night position. With the 
dawn of day the British van appeared, and the corps of Lee retired. 
Repeating their rapid movement this day, this day passed like the 
pi>eceding,till at length the American corps reached Beaver creek, 
and took post behind it. 

Not yet had any intelligence been received of or from the militia 
corps ; and here was the last point where the junction was practi- 
cable as Sumter and Marion were in the eastern country, to Lee's 
left and would advance on the road from Motte's post, which here 
fell into that going to Orangeburgh. Lord Rawdon upon reaching 
the creek hastened over ; and lieutenant colonel Lee, fit)ding his 
expectation illusive, turned to his left, proceedmg down the Con- 
garee ; yielding up any further struggle to hold the enemy's front. 

The British general advanced along the Orangeburgh road, and 
halted at this small village, where he was joined on the next day by 
lieutenant colonel Stewart with the regiment of Buflfe and convoy. 
Informed of the march of Stewart from Charleston with the convoj', 
Greene ordered Marion and Washington to make an attempt upon 
this officer, encumbered as he was ; not doubting that this service 
could be performed in time to unite with Lee. Stewart's marcti was 
very slow, which, consuming more time than was expected, pre- 
vented Marion and Washington from reaching Lee before his pas- 
?a"-e of Beavor creek. Marion did not succeed against Stewart. 
Colonel Horry, one of his officers, cut off a few wagons ; the only 
advantage gained by the American corps. On the succeeding day 
Sumter, Marion and Washington joined Lee, when the united corps 
advanced under Sumter a few miles towards Orangeburgh, conve- 
nient to the route of the American army. General Greene, on the 
subsequent day, passed Beaver creek ; and, encamping contiguoui 
to the van troops, put himself at the head of his cavalry, commanded 
by Washington and Lee, accompanied by his principal officers, for 
the purpose of examining the enemy's position, with a view of forc- 
ing it if possible. The reconnoissance was made with great attention, 
and close to the enemy : for being comparatively destitute of ca- 
valry, lord Rawdon had no means to interrupt it. After spending 
several hours in examining the British position, general Greene de- 
cided against hazarding an assault. The force of the enemy was 
about sixteen hundred, infantry and artillery, without horse : 
Greene's army, comprehending every sort, was rated at two thou- 
sand, of which near a moiety was militia. Cruger had not joined, 
beino- en^-aged in his march, and in depositing his loyalist in their 
new homes ; but he was daily expected, and would add at least 
fourteen hundred infantry and some few dragoons to the British 



Southern t)epartment of the United States. 26S 

force. If, therefore, any attempt was to be made against Rawdon, 
delay became inadmissible. Some of the officers attending U|)on 
Greene, and in whose opinions he properly confided, did not con- 
eider the obstacles to assault so serious ; and believed that it was 
necessnry to strike the enemy, in order to induce him to relinquish 
his design of establishing a post at Orangeburgh, with the view of 
holding all the country south of the Edisto and west of the Santee. 
But the majority concurred with the general, and the contem- 
plated attack was abandoned.* Two powerful reasons led to this de- 
cision. One, that the British general was not only in a strong position^ 
but that he had secured his retreat across the Edisto, by occupying 
with musketry a large brick prison and several other houses com- 

* ** Extract of a letter, dated \6lh Jul)/, 1781, camp High Hills, Santee, from 
adjutant general Williams to major Pendleton, aid de-camp to general Greerie, 

" Dear Pendleton, 

" After you left us at Ninety-Six we were obliged to retrogade as far as llie 
cross-roads above VVinnsborough. Lord Rawdoii's return over Saluda induced 
the general to halt the array, and wait for intelligence respecting iiis further 
manoeuvres, and hearing a few days after that his Kirdship was on his march to 
fort Granby, our army was ordered to march towards that place by way of 
VVinnsborough. Before we could arrive at Congaree, lord Rawdon retired to 
Oi'iingeburgh ■, and as he had left a considerable part of his army at Ninety-Six, 
general Greene detached the cavalry and light infantry to join general Marion, 
and endeavour to intercept colonel Stewart, who was on his march from Charles- 
ton with the third regiment, &c. consisting of about three hundred, convoying 
bread, stores, &c., of which lord Rawdon's troops were in great want, Stewart 
however joined his lordship at Orangeburgh; and general Greene, from the in. 
formition "he had received, was encouraged to expect success from an attack 
upon the Britisi) army at that post. Accordingly he collected his troops, and 
called together the militia and state troops under generals Sumter and Marion 
(general Pickens being left to watch the motions of colonel Cruger). A junction 
of the whole formed a very respectable little army, which marched to a small 
branch of North Edisto, within four miles of Orangeburgh, where we halted, 
and lay the 12th instant from about nine o'clock in the naorningtill six in the 
afternoon. 

" General Green? reconnoitred the position of the enemy, and found it mate- 
ijally different from what it had been represented. The giound is broken, and 
naturally strong, from the court-house (which is two stories high and buill of 
brick), to a bridge four or five hundred yards distant, the only pass over the 
Edisto within many miles. The general had every reason to believe what he 
had soon afterwards confirmed, that colonel Cruger hadevacuated Ninety-Six, 
and was on his march to join lord Rawdon, which might possibly be done before 
■we could force his lordship (if he could be forced at all) to a general action, — 
the issue of which was not certain. These considerations induced the general 
rather to offer th.rn to give battle The enemy declined the opportunity, and 
put up with the insult. General Greene, therefore, ordered our troops to retire in 
the afternoon to colonel Mifldleton's plantation, from whence we have proceeded 
by slow easy inarches to this place, and not without leaving behind sufficient 
detachments to intercept their convoys from below, and to create such a divpr- 
sioii at Monk's Corner, Dorchester, Sic. as will very probably oblige his lordship 
to march to their relief. Indeed i am encouraged to hope that the garri.-on at 
Charleston will not be undisturbed. Mischief is meditated against them in 
other quarters; and 1 sanguinely trust the issue of this campaign will perma- 
nently fix the exalted idea the world has justly conceived of the eminent abili- 
ties of our geiieral, and secure durable advantages to the country.'- 



264 Memoirs of the War in the 

manding the river, to the southern banks of which he could readily 
retire uninjtired. should he think proper to avoid battle until lieu- 
tenant colonel Cruger should join. Thus onl}' could partial success 
be attained, it' any, and that no doubt with severe Iops. The second, 
that the cavalry, from the nature of the ground and the disposition 
of the enemy, could not be brought to take its part in the action ; 
and as ours formed an essential portion of the American army, it 
was deemed unwise to seek for battle when de[)rived of this aid. 
it was very desirable to compel the enemy to rcUnquish his design 
of holding the country south of the Edisto, by establishing a post at 
Orangoburgh ; but other means might be resorted to productive of 
this end. One very obvious, was adopted by the American general 
when about to decamp, and which did completely elfect his views. 
We had often expeiienced in the course of the campaign want of 
food,* and had sometimes seriously suffered from the scrtritiness of 
our supplies, rendered more ;jinching by their quality ; but never 
did we suffer so severely as during the few days' halt here. Rice 
furnished our substitute for bread, which, although tolerably re- 
lished by those familiarized to it from infancy, was very disagree- 
able to Marylanders and Virginians, who had grown up in the use 
of corn or wheat bread. Of meat we had literally none ; for the 
iew meagre cattle brought to camp as beef would not aiford more 
than one or two ounces per man. Frogs abounded in some neigh- 
boui'ing ponds, and on them chtifly did the light troops subsist. 
They became in great demand from their uutriciousness ; and, after 
conquering the existing prejudice, were diligently sought after. 
Evei> the alligator was used by a i'ew ; and, very i)rol)ably, had the 
army been much longer detained upon that ground, might have ri- 
valled the frog in the estimition of our epicures. 

The heat of the season had become oppressive, and the troops 
began to experience its efl'ect in sickness. General Greene deter- 
mined to repair to some salubrious and convenient spot to pass the 
sultry season ; and having selected the Pligh Hills of Santee, a 
place so called from the eminence of its ground, it became very op- 
portune, while directing tiis march with the mam body to his camp 
of repose, to detach his light troops against the British posts in the 
vicinity of Charleston, now uncovered by the concentration of all 
the enemy's disposable force in Orangeburgh. When, therefore, 
he decamped on the 13th of -July, he ordered Sumter, Marion 
and Lee to move rapidly towards Charleston ; and, after break- 
in"- up the posts at and about Dorchester, to unite at Monk's Cor- 
ner, for the purpose of dislodging the nineteenth regiment stationed 
there under lieutenant coiunel Coates. This service performed, 
their several corps wouid rendezvous at the High Hills of Sanlee, 
for which position the general now commenced his march. 

* Tacitus ((ie Mniibus Germauorum) observes that they had a plentiful table 
instead of pay, — '* N:<in epulse, et qiianquam inconipti largi tanien appavatue 
pro stijiendio reduot.'" This cHiiiint he sail! of us in toto. Like the Gei- 
iiinus we had no pny ; and inst«Hd of plentiful tables, in lieu of pay, oiii 
table was not olteti plentiful, and seldom agreeable. 



Southern Department of the United States. 265 

The corps took distinct routes, concealing their mnrch, and pre- 
pared to fall at the same moment, in different direction?, upon the 
country lying between the A-^hley and Cooper rivers. The small 
post at Dorchester was broken up, and some trivial successes gained 
by the scvfjral corps ; among which the most important was achieved 
by lieutenant colonel Hampton, con.manding Sumter's cavalry, who 
falling in with somfi mounted refugees, dispersed the whole body, 
and made forty or fifty prisoners. A party of the legion horse was 
pushed below the quarter house in the neck, from the confidence 
that in a place so near Chnrleston an advantageous stroke might be 
made. But it so happened that on that day none of the usual visits 
to the quarter house took place, nor vvus even a solitary officer 
picked up in iheir customary morning rides. 

Sumter hastened towards Monk's Corner, where lay the nine- 
teenth regiment — an adequate prize for our previously disappointed 
exertions. Marion joined him on the same day, and Lee, having 
called in his parties from the neck, followed on the subsequent 
morning. This officer expected that general Sumter would have 
seized the bridge over the Cooper river, near Monk's Corner, 
which afforded a direct route to the militia camp. But lieutenant 
colonel Coates had very prud^^ntly occupied it with a detachment 
from his regiment, which compelled Lee to take a very circuitous 
route through deep sands, in the heat of Jtily, to reach Sumter, then 
ready to fall upon Coates as soon as he should be joined by Lee. 
Late in the evening the desired junction took place, and the next 
morning Monk's Corner was to have been assaulted. Coates had 
three routes of retreat, either of which led directly to Charleston. 
Two lay on the east ot Cooper river, and one to the west. The 
western offered the readiest route ; for by passing the bridge in his 
possession, he would place Cooper's river on his left, and become 
relieved from water obstruction in his whole progress. It was, 
however, deemed safer to take the two routes on the east of the 
river ; one of which led over the Cooper, some miles below Monk's 
Corner, intersecting the western route in Charleston neck, and the 
other continued on the east of the river, crossing the same river 
opposite to the town. The head waters of Couper river make 
several branches about Monk's Corner, all having bridges over 
them. Brigadier Sumter took the precaution to hold by a detach- 
ment from hi? corps the bridge over that water course in the way 
of lieutenant colonel Coates, should he take the eastern route, and 
calculated that ihe resistance at thit bridge would give him time to 
come up with the enemy. During the night Coates decamped in 
silence, setting fire to the church which had been used as a maga- 
ziiie, for tlie purpose of destroying stores which could not be with- 
drawn, and which he did oot choose to leave for the accommodatioa 
of his enemj?. The fire in the course of some hours penetrated 
Jhrough the roof, and, making then a wide illumination, was descrieJ 
from our camp. 

No doubt existed but that the British colonel had fired the house, 
ajid of course that he had considerably advanced in his retreat, 
34 



266 Memoirs of the War in the 

notwithstanding the presumed possession of abridge over which he 
must pass. The troops were called to arms, and with great cele- 
rity moved upon Monk's Corner ; where it was discovered that the 
enemy, for the purpose of consuming his stores, had burnt the 
church, and that he had retreated on the eastern side of the Cooper. 
In this direction Sumter pursued, preceded by the legion, which 
was supported by the state cavalry under lieutenant colonel Hamp- 
ton. To our surprise and mortification, no opposition at the bridge 
had taken place ; and indeed our inquiries terminated in the convic- 
tion that the detachment destined to occupy that post had abandoned 
it a few hours after they had been sent to possess it. Hence arose 
our "ignorance of Coates's movement, which could not have occurred 
had the militia parly continued at their post, and to which ignorance 
the foe owed his escape. Continuing to press the pursuit, the ca- 
valry became considerably advanced before the infantry and the 
mounted militia under brigadier Marion. When they had reached 
the point where the roads separate, the British horse (not more 
than a troop) had taken the route nearest to Cooper river. Ex- 
pecting that it might be overtaken before it could pass, having only 
the ferry-boats for its transportation, a detachment from the militia 
was ordered to pursue. But the attempt proved abortive, the 
British dragoons having crossed the river some hours before our 
detachment reached it. 

Lee with the cavalry pursued the main body, and drew near to 
it in the neighbourhood of Q^uinby bridge, about eighteen miles from 
Monk's Corner. It was much wished to come up with Coates be- 
fore he crossed that bridge, as it was well known that the stream, 
without a circuit, was only passable at the bridge, which it was cer- 
tain the enemy would secure or destroy. As soon as the officer in 
advance announced view of the enemy, Lee inquired of his guides 
the distance from the bridge, and heard with great pleasure that it 
was at least three miles in front. The legion cavalry was now di- 
rected to take close order ; and captain Eggleston with one troop 
was detached in the woods to the left to turn tiie enemy's right, 
•while the squadron under Lee, supported by the cavalry under 
lieutenant colonel Hampton, advanced along the road directly to- 
wards him. These in our view appeared to be Coates's rear guard, 
charged with his baggage wagons, and not to exceed one hundred 
men, and to be all infantry. Upon the approach of the horse in 
two directions, the commanding officer formed in line ; his left on 
the road, and his right in the woods opposite to Eggleston. This 
disposition was the very one dosired ; as a deep swamp lined the 
margin of the road, in which Lee apprehended the enemy would 
take post lo cover the road and wagons. To obviate this appre- 
hended measure, formed the principal reason for throwing Eggles- 
ton to the left. The instant the enemy had formed, the charge 
was sounded, and the horse rushed upon (hem with drawn swords 
in full gallop. On our approach the enemy's order to fire was dis- 
tinctly heard from right to left, which not taking place caused some 
inquietude, legl it was intentionally reserved to render it more fatal.. 



Southern Department of the United States, 267 

Contrary to expectation this was not the case. The enppression 
of their meditated fire was not a feint ; but the Hne,* terrified at the 
novel and menacing aditnde of the horse close upon it, hoped to se- 
cure their satiety hy this inoffensive conduct; and, without discharg- 
ing a single musket, threw down their arms and begged for quarters. 
Their supplication was cheerfully granted, and like ourselves they 
escaped unhurt. Not doubting but that Quinby bridge was yet at 
least one mile in front, the cavalry were brought to order, and, 
leaving the captured rear in care of a few of the militia horse, has- 
tened to strike the last blow. 

They had not proceeded far when a courier was despatched io 
lieutenant colonel Lee with information that captain Campbell had 
ordered his men to resume their arms, and this recalled Lee tor a 
few minutes. 

At this instant Armstrong with the leading section came in sight 
of Coate=, who, having passed the bridge, was carelessly reposmg, 
expecting his rear guard — having determined to destroy ths bridge 
as soon as his rear and baggage should have passed it. With this 
view the planks were mostly raised from the sleepers, lying on them 
loosely, ready to be thrown into the stream when the rear should 
gel over. Seeing the enemy, with the bridge interposed, which he 
knew to be contrarv to his commandant's expectation, this gallant 
officer drew up, and sent back for orders — never communicating 
the unexpected fact that the bridge intervened Lee, sending his 
adjutant to the captain, warmly reminded him of the order of the 
day, which was to fall upon the foe without respect to consequences. 
Stung with this answer, the brave Armstrong put spur to his horse 
at the head of his section, and threw himself ever the bridge upon 
the guard stationed there with a howitzer. So sudden was this 
charge that he drove all before him — the soldiers abandoning 
their piece. Some of the loose planks were dashed off by Arm^ 
strong's section, which, forming a chasm in the bridge, present- 
ed a dangerous obstacle. Nevertheless the second section, headed 
by lieutenant Carrington, took the leap and closed with Armstrong, 
then engaged in a personal combat with lieutenant colonel Coates, 
who, placing himself on the side of a wagon which with a few others 
had kept up wi(h the main body, eflfeciually parried the many sabre 
strokes aimed at his head. Most of his soldiers, appalled at the sud- 
den and daring attack, had abandoned their colonel, and were running 
through the field, some with, some without arms, to take shelter in 
the farm house. 

Lee now got u|) to the bridge, where captain O'Neal with (he 
third section had halted ; and seeing the howitzer in our posses:>ion, 

• Tlie nineteenth regiment, of which this detachment was a part, was one of 
the three lately arrived from Ireland, and had not seen service. It is probable 
such submission would not have ensued liad the troops been veteran. General- 
ly speaking, infantry, unless surpassing greatly in number, or aided by the 
ground, will fall when vigoroiuMy charged by horse. If they discharge in toto, 
they are gone. Holding up tlie front file fire with charged bayonets, and pour- 
ing in the rear fire, best aids their chance of success. 



268 Memoirs of the War in the 

and the whole regiment flying in confusion, (except the lieutenant 
colonel, who, with a few, mostly officers, were defending themselves 
with their sword.*, and calling upon their soldiers for assistance,) 
lie used every effort to recover and replace the planks. The gap 
having been enlarged by Carrington's section throwing off more 
planks, O'Neal's horses would not take the leap ; and the creek 
was deep in water, and deeper in mud, so that the dragoons, who 
had dismounted for the purpose of getting the plank, could not, eveo 
though clinging to the studs of the bridge, stop from sinkiusi — there 
being no foothold to stand upon ; nor was it possible to tind any lirm 
spot from whence to swim the horses across. In this perplexing 
condition the victory gained by the gallantry of one troop of dra- 
goons was wrested from them, when to complete it only a passage 
across the creek, not twenty yards wide, was wanting. Discerning 
the halt of the horse, the enemy look courage, and the bravest of the 
soldiers hastening back to their loader soon relieved him. Arm- 
strong and Carrington, compelled to ab;uidon the unequal contest, 
forced their way down the great road, turning into the woods up the 
stream to rejoin the corps. Lee continued struggling to replace 
the planks, until Coates (relieved from Armstrong) repaired with 
the few around hitn to dei'end tl.e bridge, where remained his de- 
serted howitzer. Having only sabres to oppose to the enemy's fire, 
and those sabres withheld from contact by the interposing chasm, 
Lee was forced to draw oil" from the vain contest, after several of 
his dragoons had been wounded, among whom was doctor Irvin, 
surgeon of the legion cavalry.* 

As soon as he had reached the enemy, Lee despatched the intelli- 
gence to brigadier Marion, and to the legion infantry, urging their 
approach ; and now foiled at the bridge, he communicated to Ma- 
rion his movement some distance up the creek to a ford, which, from 
the information derived from his guides, would afford a ready pas- 
sage. To this place he urged the brigadier to direct his march, 
assuring him that by their united effort the enemy might still be 
destroyed. 

Marion pressed his march with diligence, bringing with him the 
legion infantry ; and having passed the creek, united with Lee late 
in the evening, in front of the house, which, in their panic, had 
been so eagerly sought by the flying British soldiers, and which was 
now possessed by lieutenant colonel Coates, who had repaired to 
it wiih his wagons and howitzer ; affording, as it did, the most eli- 
gible position he could assume. Posted in the house, the outhous- 

* Such was lioctor Skinner's unvarying objection to Irvin's custom of risking 
his life, wlienevcr he was with the corps gnisig into action, that, kind and amia- 
Ijle as he was, he saw witli pleasure that his prediction, often coininuriicated to 
Iivin to stop his practice, (which, contrasted with his own, Skinn«r (elt as a bit- 
ter reproach,) was at length realized, wlien Irvrn was brought in wounded ; antl 
he would not dress his wound, although from his station he had the right of pre- 
ference, iiniil lie had finished all the privates — reprehending with asperity Irvin's 
custom, and sarcastically complimenting him, every now and then, with the hon- 
ouiable scar he uiiglit hereaUer ebow. 



Southern Department of the United States, 268 

es, and along the yard and garden fences, with his howitzer in 
front and undercover of the house, lieutenant colonel Coates found 
himself safe. Marion and Lee, seeing that no point of his position 
was assailable with prohable hope of success, (destitute, as they 
were, of arcillery,) reluctantly gave up this regiment ; and being 
low down in a neck, within striking distance from Clmrleston, after 
all the fatigue of the day they deemed it necessary to retire fifteen 
miles before they could give rest to their troops. 

At this moment Armstrong and Carrington, whose suspended fate 
had excited painful sensations in the breasts of their friends, happi- 
ly joined with their shattered sections. Both the officers were un- 
hurt, only one horse killed and one wounded, but some few of the 
bravest dragoons were killed and more wounded. 

Sending the captain with a detachment to the ground of action, 
for the purpose of bringing off the dead and wounded, Lee followed 
Marion ; who having detached a party to replace the planks of the 
bridge, (ook tl^e direct course to it through the field While we halted 
here with the legion cavalry until Armstrong should rejoin, one of our 
wounded dragoons came hobbling out of the swamp, into which he 
had scrambled when his horse had fallen by the same ball which had 
shattered the rider's knee. Armstrong now came up, bringing with 
him sad evidences of his intrepid charge. Some of his finest fel- 
lows had fallen in this honourable, though unsuccessful attempt ; 
soldiers who had passed from early life through the war, esteemed 
and admired. Placing the wounded in the easiest posture for con- 
veyance, and hearia;^ the dead on the pummels of our saddles, we 
concluded a toilsotne sixteen hours in the sadness of grief ; not for 
the loss of brave siddiers, nobly dying in their country's cause, but 
because thc3' fell in an abortive attack, rendered so by unforeseen 
incidents. Had the bridge near Monk's Corner (over which the 
British passed) been hell in conformity to Sumter's plan and order, 
Coates would have been overtaken before he arrived at Quinby's. 
Had the guides been correct in their estimation of the di'^tance of 
the bridge, when we first saw the enemy's rear, Lee (having taken 
the rear guard) would have found out some other route to the 
main body, and avoided the fatal obstacle. Had Armstrong, refer- 
ring for further orders, communicated the interposition of the 
bridge, the warm reply would never have been made, but a cool ex- 
amination of our relative situation would have followed ; the resoU 
of which must have been propitious Coates and his regiment 
must have fallen ; giving increase of fame to our army, with solid 
good to our cause ; and llie sad loss would not have occurred. To 
produce a discijmnlure, this series of omission and error was neces- 
sary and did take place. Soldiers may and must struggle, — but 
unless fortune saiile, they often struggle in vain.* 

* The author forgot to relate that, after his retreat from this position of 
Coates, it was attacked by Sumter and Marion, wiih considerable spirit, and 
some loss ; but without success, in consequence chiefly of Sumter's failure to 
Itring up his aitillery. — Ed. 



27© Memoirs of the War in the 

As soon as we reached our quarters, one common grave was 
prepared for the dead, and at the dawn of light the rites of sepul' 
ture were performed. 

The prisoner? and haggage which had heen taken were instantly 
sent off under a proper escort, and safely delivered to brigadier 
Sumter. With the baggage was taken the regimental military chest, 
whose contents being divided among the troops, by the brigadier's 
order, gave to each soldier one guinea. We reached on the fol- 
lowing day, the neighbourhood of Nelson's feiry, where the troops 
were permitted to repose for twenty- four hours. Resuming our 
march, we crossed the Santee, and by easy marches joined in a few 
days the army at the High Hills. Incomplete as was this expedi- 
tion, the zeal and vigour uniformly exhibited reflected credit on 
all employed in it ; and the general, always disposed to honour merit, 
testified his grateful apjnoljation in very flattering terms. Arm- 
strong, Carrington, and their gallant band, were, as they deserved, 
distinguished. I'he troops were placed in good quarters, and the 
heat of July rendered tolerable by the high ground, the fine air 
and good water of the selected camp. Disease began to abate, our 
wounded to recover, and the army to rise in bo«lily strength. En- 
joying this period of rest, the first ex])erienced since Greene's as- 
sumption of the command, it was natural to meditate upon the past 
scenes. Nor was the conclusion of such meditations less instruc- 
tive than agreeable. The wisdom of the general was manifest ; and 
the zeal, patience and firmness exhibited by the troops could not 
he denied. It is true, that untoward occurrences' had deprived 
us of two victories, and lost us Ninety-Six ; but it was no less true, 
that the comprehensive views ol the general, with his inflexible 
perseverance, and unvarying activity, had repaired these mortify- 
ing disappointments, and had closed the campaign with the success- 
ful execution of his object. Defeat had been changed by its con- 
sequences into victory, and our repulse had been followed by acces- 
sion of territory. The conquered states were regained, and our 
exiled countrymen were restored to their deserted homes, — sweet 
rewards of toil and peril. Such results can only be attributed to 
superior talents, seconded by skill, courage and fidelity. Fortune 
often gives victory ; but when the weak destitute of the essential 
menns of war successfully oppose the strong, it is not chance but 
sublime genius which guides the intermediate operations, and con- 
trols the ultimate event. 



CHAPTER XXX, 

XjATELY John Chainpe, sergeant-major of the legion cavalry, 
who had been for several months conside'-ed by the corps as a de- 
serter, returned. This high minded soldier had been selected to 



Southern Department of the United States. 271 

undertake a very difficult and perilous project, the narration of 
which is due to his merit, as well as to the singularity of his pro- 
gress.* 

The treason of brigadier Arnold — Ihe capture of Andre — with 
intelligence received by Washington, through his contidential agents 
in New York, communicating that many of his officers, and especially 
a major general named to him, were connected with Arnold — could 
not fail to seize the attention of a commander less diligent and zeal* 
OU9 than Washington. It engrossed his mind entirely, exciting re- 
flections the most anxious as well as unpleasant. The moment he 
reached the army, then under the orders of major general Greene, 
encamped in the vicinity of Tappan, he sent for major Lee, posted 
with the light troops some distance in front. This officer repaired 
to headquarters with celerity, and found the general in his marquee 
alone, busily engaged in writing. As soon as Lee entered, he was 
requested to take a seat, and a bundle of papers, lying on the table, 
was given to him for perusal. In these much information was de- 
tailed, tending to prove that Arnold was not alone in the base con- 
spiracy just detected, but that the poison had spread ; and that a 
major general, whose name was not cuncealed, was certainly as 
guilty as Arnold himself. This officer had enjoyed, without inter- 
ruption, the contidence of the commander in chief throughout the 
war ; nor did there exist a single reason in support of the accusation. 
It altogether rested upon the intelligence derived from the papers 
before him. Major Lee personal!}' acquainted with the accused, 
could not refrain from suggesting the probability, that the whole 
was a contrivance of sir Henry Clinton, in order to tlestroy that 
confidence between the commatider and his officers on which the 
success of military operations depends. This suggestion, Washing- 
ton replied, was plausible, and deserved due consideration. It had 
early occurred to his own mind, and had not been slightly regarded ; 
hut his reflections settled in a conclusion not to be shaken ; as the 
same suggestion applied to no officer more forcibly than a few days 
ago it would have done to general Arnold, known now to be a traitor. 

Announcing this result of his meditations ivith the tone and coun- 
tenance of a mind deeply agitated, and resolved upon its course, 
Lee continuing silent, the general proceeded : " 1 have sent for 
you, in the expectation that you have in your corps individuals ca- 
pable and willing to undertake an indispensable, delicate and hazard- 
ous project. Whoever comes forward upon this occasion, will lay 
me under great obligations persoually, and in behalf of the United 
States I will reward him amply. No time is to be lost : he must 
proceed, if possible, this night. My object is to probe to the bot- 
tom the afflicting intelligence contained in the papers you have just 
read ; to seize Arnold, and b}' getting him to save Andre. They are 
all connected. While my emissary is engaged in preparing means 
for the seizure of Arnold, the guilt of others can be traced; and 

* This retrospect carries the reader back to tlie northern campaign of 1780, 
where the author held the rank of major, ami was serving under general Wash- 
ington OR the Hudson. — Ed. 



272 Memoirs of the War in the 

the timely delivery of Arnold to me, will possibly put it into my 
power to restore the amiable and unfortunate Andre to bis friends. 
My instructions are ready, in which you will find my express orders 
that Arnold is not to be hurt ; but that he be permitted to escape 
if to be prevented on!}' by killing him, as his public punishment is 
the sole object in view. This 3'ou cannot too forcibly press upon 
whomsoever may engage in the enterprise ; and this fail not to do. 
With my instructions are two letters, to be delivered as ordered, 
and here are somf> guineas for expenses " 

Major Lee replying, said, that he had little or no dcubt btit that 
his legion contained many individuals daring enough for any opera- 
tion, however perilous ; but that the one in view required a com- 
bination of qualities not easily to be found unless in a commissioned 
officer, to whom he could not venture to propose an enterprise, the 
first step to which was desertion. That though the sergeant-majof 
of the cavalry was in all respects qualified for the delicate and ad- 
venturous project, and to him it might be proposed without indeli- 
cacy, as his station did not inlerpo«e the obstacle before stated ; 
yet it was very probable that the same difficulty would occur in bis 
breast, to remove which would not be easy, if practicable. 

Washington was highly pleased at finding that anon-commissioned 
officer wa? deemed capable of executing his views ; as he had felt 
extreme difficulty in authorizing an invitation to officers, who gene- 
rally are, and always ought to be, scrupulous and nice in adhering 
to the course of honou.'-. He asked the name, the country, the age, 
the size, length of service, and character of the sergeant. 

Being told his name — that he vvfis a native of Loudon county in 
Virginia; about twenty-three or twenty-four years of age — that he 
bad enlisted in 1770 — rather above the common size — full of bone 
and muscle ; with a saturnine countenance, grave, thoughtful and 
taciturn — of tried courage and inflexible perseverance, and as likely 
to reject an overture coupled with ignominy as any officer in the 
corps ; a commission being the goal of his long and anxious exer- 
tions, and certain on the first vacancy ; — the general exclaimed, 
that he was the very man for the business ; that he must under- 
take it; and that going to the enemy by the instigation and at the 
request of his officer, was not desertion, although it appeared to be 
so. And he enjoined that this exphmation, as coming from him, 
should l)e pressed on Champe ; and that the vast good in prospect 
should be contrasted with the mere semblance of doing wrong, which 
he presumed could not fiil to conquer every scruple. Major Lee 
assured the general, tiiat every exertion would be essayed on his 
part to execute his wishes; and taking leave returned to the camp 
of the light corps, which he reached about eight o'clock at night. 
Sending instantly for the sergeant-major, he introduced the business 
in the way best cah^ulated, as he thought, to produce his concur- 
rence ; and dilated largely on the very great obligations he would 
confer on the commander in chief, whose unchanging and active 
beneficence to the troops had justly drawn to him their affection, 
which would be merely nominc^l, if, when an 0])portunity should 



Southern Department of the United States. 273 

offer to ;iny in(]ividual of contributing to thp promotion of his views 
lh;jt oppoitunily was not zealously embraced. That ttie one now 
presented to him had never before occurred, and in all probability 
never would occur again, even should the war continue for ages • it 
being most rare for three distinct conseqtiences, ail of primary 
weight, to be comprised within a single operation, and that operation 
necessarily to be entrusted to one man, who would want but one or 
two associates in the ai.'tive part of its execution. 'I'hat the chance 
of detection became extremely narrow, and consequently that of 
success enlarged. Thil by succeeding in the safe delivery of Ar* 
nold, he not only gratitied his general in the mast accijitaGle man- 
ner, but he would be hailed as the avenger of the rej>utation of the 
army, stained by tbul and wicked peitidy ; and what could not but 
be highly pleasing, he would be the inslrurnent of saving the life of 
major Andre, soon to be brought before a court of inquiry, the de- 
cision of which could not be doubted, from the universally known 
circuu)star)ces of the case, and had been antii ipated m the general's 
instructions. That, by investigating with dili-enceand accuracy the 
intelligence communicaed to him, he would bring to light new guilt, 
or he vvould relieve innocence (as was most probable) from dis- 
trust ; quieting the torturing suspicions which now harrowed the 
mind of Washington, and restoring again to his confidence a once 
honoured general, possessing it at present otdy ostensibly, as well 
as hush doubts affecting many of his brother soldiers. 

In short, the accomplishment of so much good was in itself too at- 
tractive to be renounced by a genernus mind ; and when connected 
with the recollection of the h;gh honour which the selection shed 
upon him, as a soldier he ought not — he must not {)ause. This dis- 
course was followed by a detail of the plan, vvith a wish that he 
would enter upon its execution instantly, Champe listened with 
deep attention, and with a highly excited countenance ; the pertur- 
bations of his breast not being hid even by his dark visage. He 
briefly and modestly repliei!, that no soldier exceeded him in respect 
and affection for the commander in chief, lo serve \vhom he would 
willingly lay down his life ; and that he was sensible of the honour 
conferred l)y the choice of him for the execution of a project all 
over arduous ; nor could he be at a loss (o know to vvhorn was tb 
be ascribed the preference bestowed, which he took pleasure in 
acknowledging, although increasing obligations before great and 
many. 

That he was charmed with the plan. Even its pnrtial success 
would lead to great good ; as it would give {)eace to the general's 
mind, and do justice as he hoped, to innocence. Full success ; 
added powerful and delicious personal excitements, as well as the 
gratitication of the general and army. He was not, he said, de- 
terred by the danger and diffjculty which was evidently to be en- 
countered, but he was deterred by the ignominy of desertion, to 
be followed by the hypocrisy of enlisting with the enemy ; neither of 
which comported with his feelings, and either phiced an insuperable 
bar in his way to promotion. 



274 Memoirs of the War in the 

He concluded by observing, that if any mode could be contrived 
tree tVom disgrace, he would cordially embark in the enterprise. As 
it was, he prayed to be excutJed ; and hoped that services, always 
the best in his power to perform, faithfully performed, entitled 
his prayer to success. The objections at first apprehended, notv 
to be combatted, were extended to a consequence which had not 
suggested itself. Lee candidly admitted that he had expected the 
first ohjeclion made, and that only ; which had been imparted to the 
general, who gave to it full consideration, and concluded by declar- 
ing that the crime of desertion was not incurred ; as no act done by 
the soldier at the request of the commander in chief could be con- 
sidered as desertion ; and that an action so manifestly prHiseworthy 
as that to be performed, when known, would dissipate by its own 
force the reflections excited by appearances, leaving the actor in 
full enjoyment of the rich rewards of his virtue. That the reflect- 
ing mind ought not to balance between the achievement of so much 
good, and the doing wrong in semblance only ; to which major 
Lee subjoined, that he had considered himself and corps highly ho- 
noured by the general's call upon him for a soldier capable and wil- 
ling to execute a project so tempting to the brave ; and that he 
should feel himself^ reduced to a mortifying condition, if the resis- 
tance to the undertaking compelled him to inform the general that 
he must recur to some other corps to provide an agent to execute 
this bold and important enterprise. 

He entreated the sergeant to ask himself what must be the reflec- 
tions of his comrades, if a soldier from some other corps should 
execute the attempt, when they should be told that the glory trans- 
ferred to the regiment of which he was one, might have been enjoyed 
by the legion, had not sergeant Champe shrunk from the overture 
made to him by his general, rather than reject scruples too narrow 
and confii»ed to be permitted to interfere with grand and virtuous 
deeds. The esprit du corps could not be resisted ; united to his 
inclination, it subdued his prejudices, and he declared his willing- 
ness to conform to the wishes of the general ; relying, as he con- 
fidently did, that his reputation would be protected by those who 
had induced him to undertake ihe enterprise, should he be unfor- 
tunate. 

The instructions were read to him, and each distinct object pre- 
sented plainly to his view, of which he took notes so disguised as to 
be understood only by himself. He was particularly cautioned to 
use the utmost circumspection in delivering his letters, and to take 
care to withhold from the two individuals, addressed under feigned 
names, knowledge of each other ; for although both had long been 
in the confidence of the i^eneral, yet it was not known by either that 
the other was so engaged. 

He was further urged, to bear in constant recollection the so- 
lemn injunction so pointedly expressed in the instructions to major 
Lee, of forbearing to kill Arnold in any condition of things. 

This part of the business being finished, their deliberation was 
turned to the uianner of Champa's desertion ; for it was well 



Southern Department of the United States. 275 

known to them both that to pass the nnmerous patroles of horse 
and foot crossing from the stiilioDurv guards, was itself ditficult, 
which was now rendered more so by parties thrown occa.-iionally 
beyond the place called Liberty Pole, as well as by swarms of irre- 
gulars, induced sometimes to venture down to the very point at 
Paulus Hook with the hope of picking up booty. Evidently dis- 
cernible as were the ditbculties in the way, no relief could be ad- 
ministered by major Lee, lest it might induce a belief that he was 
privy to the desertion, which opinion getting to the enemy would 
involve the life of Champe. The sergeant was left to his own re- 
sources and to his own management, with the declared determina- 
tion, that in case his departure should be discovered before morn- 
ing, Lee would take care to delay pursuit as long as practicable. 

Giving to the sergeant three guineas, and presenting his best 
wishes, he recommended him to start without delay, and enjoined 
him to communicate his arrival in New York as soon as he could. 
Champe pulling out his watch, compared it with the major's, re- 
minding the latter of the importance of holding back pursuit, which 
he was convinced would take place in the course of the night, and 
which might be fatal, as he knew that he should be obliged to zig- 
zag in order to avoid the patroles, which would consume time. It 
was now nearly eleven. The sergeant returned to camp, and taking 
his cloak, valise and orderly book, he drew his horse from the pick- 
et, and mounting him put hi'nself upon fortune. liee, charmed with 
his expeditious consummation of the first part of the enterprise, 
retired to rest Useless attempt ! the past scene could not be ob- 
literated ; and, indeed, had that been practicable, the interruption 
which ensued would have stopped repose. 

Withm half an hour captain Carnes, officer of the day, waited 
apon the major, and with considerable emotion told him that one 
of the patrole had fallen in with a dragoon, who, being challenged, 
put spur to his horse and escaped, though instantly pursued. Lee 
complaining of the interruption, and pretending to be extremely 
fatigued by his ride to and from be^idquarters, answered as if he did 
not understand what had been said, which compelled the captain to 
repeat it. Who can the fellow that was pursued be ? inquired the 
m;ijor ; adding, a countryman, probably. No, replied the captain, 
the patrole sufficiently distinguished him to know that he was a 
dragoon; probably one from the army, if not certainly one of our 
own. This idea was ridiculed from its improbability, as during the 
whole war but a single dragoon h.id deserted froin the legion. This 
did not convince Carnes, so mucli stress was it now the fishion to 
lay on the desertion of Arnold, and the probable efi'ect of his exam- 
ple. The captain withdrew to examine the squadron of horse, 
whom he had ordered to assemble in ])ursuance of established 
usage on similar occasions. Very quickly he returned, statiuij that 
the scoundrel was known, and was no less a j)erson than the sergeant- 
major, who had gone oft" with his horse, baggage, arms and orderly 
book, — so presumed, as neiihi'r the one nor the other could be 
found. Sensibly affected at the supposed baseness of a soldier ex- 



276 Memoirs of the War in the 

tremely respected, the captiiin addetl that he had ordered a party to 
make ready for pursuit, ai)d bagged the tmijor's written orders. 

Occasionally this discourse was interrupted, nnd every idea sug- 
gested which the excellent character of the seri^eant warranted, to 
induce the suspicion that he hud not deserted, but had taken the 
liberty to leave camp with a view to personal pleasure ; an example, 
said Lee, too often set by the oflicers themselves, destructive as it 
was of discipline, opposed as it was to orders, and disastrous as it 
might prove to the corps in the course of service. 

Some little delay was thus interposed ; but it being now announced 
that the pursuing party was ready, major Lee directed a change in 
the officer, saying th;it he hud a ])articular service in view, which he 
had determined to entrust to the lieutenant ready for duty, and 
which piobably must be performed in the morning. He therefore 
directed him to summon cornet MidJIeton for the present command. 
L^'e was induced thus to act, tir-t to add to the delay, and next from 
his knowkidge of t!ie tenderness ot Middleton's disposition, which 
he hoped would load to the protection of Champe, should he be 
taken. Within ten minutes Middleton appeared to receive his or- 
ders, which were delivered to him made out in the customary form, 
and signed by the major. " Pursue so far as you can with safety 
sergeant Champe, who is suspected of deserting to the enemy, and 
iias taken the ro.id leading to Faulus Hook. Bring him alive, that 
he may sutler in the presence of the army ; but kill him if he re- 
sists, or escapes after being taken." 

Detaining the cornet a few minutes longer in advising him what 
course to pursue, — urging him to take care of the horse and accou- 
trements, if recovered, — and enjoining him to be on his guard, lest 
he miwht. by his eager pursuit, injprovidently fall into the hands of 
the enemy, — the m ijor dismissed Middleton, wishing him success. 
A shouer of rain fell soon after Champe's departure, which enabled 
the pursuing dragoons to take the trail of his horse ; knowing, as 
othcer and trooper diti, the make of their shoes, the impression of 
which, wa- an unerrino; guide.* 

When iVIiddleton departt'd, it was a few minutes past twelve ; 
so that Chanipe had only the start of rather more than an hour, — 
by no means as long as was desired. Lee became very unhappy, 
not only because the estimable and gallant Chamne might be injur- 
ed, but less the en erprise mi:;ht be delayed ; ;ind he spent a sleep- 
less niglit. The pursuing party during the nigist, ivas, on their 
part, del iVt-d by I lie necessary halls to exiunine occasionally the 
road, as the impression of the horse's shoes directed Ih.eir course ; 
this was unfortuni-.ttly too evident, no other horse having passed 
along the road since the shower. When the day broke, Middleton 
was no longer firced to halt, and he pressed on with rapidity. As- 
cending an e^-iinei)ce befuie he reached the Three Pidgeons, some 

* Tlie horsfiS) bciii;; all bhod liy our own fiiiricr?, tiie shoes weie maile in tlie 
same form ; which, witli a piivate niaik aiuiexef! to thf- foie shots, and linown to 
the troopers, poHittvi ou'. I::;: tfai] uf'ou.- cirasootis to ear.ii oihurj which was ofte-n 
very useAi!. 



Southern Department of the United Slates. 277 

miles on the nortli of the village of Bergen, as the pursuing party 
reaci'ied its summit, Champe was descried not more than half a 
nule III front. Kej^einbling an Indi;in in his vigilance, the sergeant 
at the same moment discovered the party, whose object he was no 
stranger to. and giving spur to his horse, lie determined to outstrip 
bi:i pursuers. Middleioii at the same instant piit his iiorses to the 
top of their speed ; and being as the legion all were well acquaint- 
ed with the country, he recollected a short route through the woods 
to the bridge below Bergen, which diverged iVum the great load 
just after you gain the Three Pidgeons. Keachiiig the point of 
separation, he halted ; and dividing his party, directed a sergeant 
with a lew dragoons to take the near cut, and possess with all pos- 
sible despatch the bridge, while he with the residue followed 
Champe ; not doubting but that Champe must deliver himself up, 
as he would be closed between himself and his sergeant. Champe 
did not forget the siiort cut, and would have taken it himself, but 
he knew it was the usual route of our parties when returning in the 
day from tlie noighbourliood of the enemy, properly preferring the 
wooiis to the road. He consequently avoidi.'d it ; and persuaded 
that iVliddleton would avail himself oi it, wisely resolved to relin- 
quisii liis intention of getting to Paulus Hook, and to seek refuge 
from two Biiiish galleys, lying a few miles to the west of Bergen. 

This was a station always occupied by one or two galleys, and, 
which it was known now l.iy there. Entering tfie village of Bergen, 
Champe turned to his right, and disguising his change of course 
as much as he could by taking the beaten streets, turning as they 
turned, he p-issed through the village and took the road towards 
Elizabethtoun Point, iliddleton's sergeant gained the bridge, where 
he conceale&i himself, ready to pounce upon Champe when he came 
up ; and iViiddleton, pursuing his course through Bergen, soon got 
also to the bridge, when, to his extreme mortitication, he found that 
the serge.snt hnd slijjped through his fingers. Returning up the 
road, he inquired ol the villagers of Bergen, whetiicr a dragoon 
had been seen tliat moining ahead of his party. He was answer* 
ed in the al'nrmative, but could learn nothing satisfactorily as to the 
route he took. While enga^^ed in inquiries himself, he spread his 
pai'ty through the viihige to strike the trail of Champe's horse, a 
resort always recurred to. Some of his dragoons hit it just as the 
serg«nmt, leaving the village, got in the road to tlie Point. Pur- 
suit was renewed with vigour, and again Ch.mipe was descried. 
He, apprf bending the event, had prepared himself for it, by lash- 
ing his valise (containing his clothes and orderly book) on his shoul- 
ders, and I'.oldmg his drawn sword in his hand, having thrown away 
the scabbard. This he did to save what was indispensable to 
him, and to prevent any interruption to his suimming, should Mid* 
dleton, as he presumed, when disappointed at the bridge, take the 
measures adopted by him. The pursuit was rapid and close, as the 
stop occasioned by the sergeant's preparations for swimming had 
brought Middleton within two or three hundred yard^. As soon as 
Champe got abreast of the two gallevs. he dismounted, and running 



278 Memoirs of the War in the 

through the marsh to the river, plunged into it, calling upon the 
galley's for help. This was readily givon ; they tired upon our 
horse, and sent a boat to meet Charnpe, nUo was taken in and car- 
ried on board, and conveyed to New York with a letter from the 
captain ol the galley, statins^ the circuinstances he had seen. 

Tile horse with his equipments, the sergeant's cloak and scab- 
bard, were recovered: the sword it*elf, heina; held by Charnpe 
until h'^ jihinged into the river, was lost, as Middleton found it ne- 
cessaiy to retire without searching for it. 

About thiee o'clock in the evening our par(3' returned, and the 
.soldiers seeing the well known horse in our possession, made the 
air resound with exclamations that the scoundrel was killed. 

Major Lee, called by (his heart-rending anminciation from his 
tent, saw the sergeant's horse led by one of Middleton's dragoons, 
and began to reproach himself with the blood of the high prized, 
faithful and intrepid Ch;nnpe. Stifling his agony he advanced to 
meet Middleton, and became somewhat relieved as soon as he got 
near enough to iliscern thu countenance of Ins officer and party. 
There was evidence in tlieir looks of disappointment, and he was 
quickly relieved by Middleton's information that the sergeant had 
effected his escape with the loss of his horse, and narrated the par- 
ticulars just recited. 

Lee's joy was now as full as, the moment before, his torture had 
been excruciating. Never was a happier conclusion. The ser- 
geant escaped unhurt, carrying with him to tl)e enemy undeniable 
testimony of the sincerity of his desertion, — cancelhng every ap- 
prehension before entertained, lest the enemy might suspect him 
of being what he re dly was. 

Major Lee imparted to the commander in chief the occurrence, 
who was sensibly afl'ectod by the hair-breadth escape of Charnpe, 
and antici[)ated with pleasure the good effect sure to follow the ene- 
my's knowledge of its manner. 

On the fourth day after Cliampe's departure, Lee received a let- 
ter fiom him, written the day before in a disguised hand, without 
any signature, and stating what had passed after he got on board 
the galley, where he was kindly received. 

lie was carried to the commandant of New York as soon as he 
arrived, and presented the letter addressed to this officer from the 
captain of the galley. Being asked to what corps he belonged, and 
a few other common questions, he was sent under care of an orderly 
sergeant to the adjutant-general, who, finding that he was sergeant- 
major of the legion iiorse, heretofore rernarkalde tor their lidelit}', 
began to interrogafe birn. He was told by Charnpe, that such was 
the spirit of defection which prevailed among the American troops 
in consequence of Arnold's example, that he had no doubt, if the 
temper was properly cheiislied, Wasliington's lanks would not only 
be greatly thinned, but that sonte of his best corps would leave hira. 
To this conclusion, the sergeant sai 1, he was fed by his own obser- 
vations, and especi illy by his knowledge of the discontents which 
argitated the corp-- to which he had belonged. His siee, place of birth; 



Southern Department of the United States. 279 

form, countenance, hair, the corps in which he had served, with 
other remarks, in conformity to the Britiish usage, was noted down. 
After this was tinished, he was sent to the commander in cluef>, in . 
charge of one of tlie staff, with a letter from the adjutant-general. 
Sir Henry Clinton treated hiui very kindly, and detained him more 
than one hour, asking him many cjnestions, all leading, — first, to 
know to what exient this spirit of defection might be pushed by 
proper incitements, — what the most operating incitements, — whe- 
ther any general oflicers were suspected by Washington as con- 
cerned in Arnold's coiispiracy, or any other officers of note ; — who 
they were, and whether the troops approved or censured Wash- 
ington's suspicions ; — whether his popularity in the army was sink- 
ing, or continued stationary. What was major Andre's situation, — 
whether any change had taken place in the manner of his confine- 
ment, — what was the current opinion of his probable fate, — and 
whether it was thought Washington would treat liim as a spy. To 
these various interrogations, some of which were perplexing, 
Champe answered warily ; exciting, nevertheless, ho[»es that the 
adoption of proper measures to encourage desertion (of which he 
could not pretend to form an opinion) would certainly bring off hun- 
dreds of the American soldiers, including some of the best troops, 
horse as well as foot. Uespecting the fate of Andre, he said he 
was ignorant, though there appeared to be a general wish in the 
army that his life should not be taken ; and that he believed it 
would depend more upon the disposition of Congress, than on the 
will of Washingion. 

After this long conversation ended, sir Henry presented Champe 
■with a couple of guineas, and recommended him to wait upon gene- 
ral Arnold, who was engaged in raising an American legion in the 
service of his majesty. He directed one of his aids to write to Ar- 
nold by Champe, stating who he was, and what he had said about 
the disposition in the army to Ibllow his example ; which being 
80on done, the letter was given to the ordeily attending on Champe 
to be pre>«ented with the deserter to general Arnold. Arnold ex- 
pressed much satisfaction on hearing from Champe the manner of 
his esca|)e, and the effect of Arnold's example ; and concluded his 
numerous inquiries by assigning quarters to the sergeant, — the 
same as were occupied by his recruiting sergeants. 

He also proposed to Champe to join his legion, telling liim he 
would give him the same station he had held in the rebel service, 
and promising further advancement when merited. Expressing hi^ 
wish to retire from war, and his conviction of the certainly of his being 
hung if ever taken by the rebels, he begged to be excused from en- 
listment ; assuring the general, that should he change his mind, 
he would certainly accept his ofler. Retiring to his quarters, 
Champe now turned his attention to the delivery of his letters, 
which he could not effect until the next niglil, and then only to one 
of the two incogniti to whom he was recommended. I'liis man re- 
ceived the sergeant with extreme attention, and having read the 
letter, assured Champe that he might rely on his faithful co-opera- 



280 Memoirs of the War in the 

tion in every thing in his power consistent with his SHfety, to guard 
which required the utmost prudence and circumspection The *ole 
object in winch the aid of this individual was required, regarded the 
general and others of our army, implicated in the inlbrniation .sent 
to Washington hy him. To this object Champe urged his attention ; 
assuring him of the solicitude it had excited, and telling hin) liiat 
itsspeedy invcsligation had induced the general to send bin) in to New 
York. Promising to enter upon it with zeal, and engaging to send 
out Champe's letters to major Lee, he fixed the tune and place for 
their next meeting, when they separated. 

Lee made known to the general what had been transmitted to 
him by Champe, and received in answer directions to press Champe 
to the expeditious conclusion of liis mission ; as the fate of Andre 
would be sooii decided, when little or no delay could be admitted 
in executing whatever sentence the court might decree. The same 
messenger who brought Champe's letter, returned with the ordered 
communication Five days had nearly « lap?ed after reaching New 
York, before Champe saw the confidant to whom only the attempt 
ao'jiinst Arnciid was to he entrusted. This person entered with 
promptitude into the design, [)romising his cordial assistance. To 
procure a proper associate for Cham[)e was the lirst object, and 
this he promi^-ed to do with all possible despatch. Furnishing a 
conveyance to Lee, we again heard from Champe, who staled what 
I have related, with the additional intelligence that he had tliat 
morning (the last of September) been appointed one of Arnold's 
recruiting sergeants, having enlisted the day before with Arnold ; 
and that he was induced to take this afflicting step, for the purpose 
of securing uninterrupted ingress and egress to the house which the 
general occupied ; it being indi-pensable to a speedy conclusion of 
the difficult enterprise which the information he had just received 
had so forcibly urged. He adJed, that the difficulties in his way were 
numerous and stubborn, and that his prospect of success was by no 
means cheering. With respect to the addiiional treason, he asserted 
that he had every reason to believe that it was groundless ; that 
the report took its rise in the enemy's camp, and that he hoped 
soon to clear up that matter satisfactorily. The pleasure which 
the last part of this communication afforded, was damped hy the 
tidings it imparted respecting Arnold, as on his speedy delivery 
depended Andre's relief. The interposition of sir Henry Clinton, 
who was extremely anxious to save his aidde camp, s'ill continued ; 
audit was expected the examination of witnesses and the defence of 
the prisoner, would protract the decision of the court of enquiry, 
now assembled, ami give sufficient time for the consummation of 
the project committed to Champe. A complete disappointsneut 
took place fiom a quarter unforeseen and unexpected. The honour- 
able and accomplished Andre, kiiowing his guilt, disdained defence, 
and prevented the examination of witnesses by confessing the cha- 
racter in which he stood. On the next day (the 2!id of October) 
the court again assembled ; when every doubt that could possibly 
ari.se in the case having been removed by the previous confession. 



Southern Department of the United States. 281 

ArtJre was declared to be a spy, and condemoed to suffer accord- 
ingly- 

The sentence was executed on the subsequent day in the usual 
form the commander in chiefdeeming it im,>roper to interpose any 
delay. In this decision he was warranted by the very unpromis- 
ing intelligence received from Cham[)e, — by the still existing im- 
piicatinn of other officers in Arnold's conspiracy, — by a due regard 
to public opinion, — and by real tenderness to the condemned. 

Neither Congioss nor the nation could have been with propriety 
informed of the cause of the delay, and without such infurmilion it 
mu-it have excited in boih alarm and suspicion. Andre himself 
could not have been entrusted with the secret, and would conse- 
quently have attributed the unlooked for event to the expostulation 
and exertion of sir Henry Clinton, which would not tail to produce 
in his breast expectations of ultimate relief; to excite which would 
have been cruel, as the realization of such expectation depended 
upon a possible but improbable contingency. The fate of Andre, 
hastened by himself, deprived the enterprise committed to Champe 
of a feature which had been highly prized by its projector, and 
which had very much engaged the heart of the individual chosen to 
execute it. 

Washington ordered mnjor Lee to communicate what had passed 
to the sergeant, »vith directions to encourage him to prosecute with 
unrelaxed vigour the remaining objects of his instructions, but to in- 
termit haste in the execution only as far as was compatible with 
final success. 

This was accordingly done by the first opportunity. Champe 
deplored the sad necessity which had occurred, and candidly con- 
fessed that the hope of enabling Washington to save the life of An- 
dre, (who had been the subject of universal commiseration in the 
American camp) greatly contributed to remove the serious diffi- 
culties which opposed his acceding to the proposition when first 
propounded Some documents accompanied this communication, 
tending to prove the innocence of the accusf^d general ; thfy were 
completely satisfactory, and did credit to the discrimination, zeal 
and diligence of the sergeant. Lir-e inclosed them immediately to 
the commander in chief, who was pleased to express the satisfac- 
tion he derived from the informition, and to order the m;ijor to 
wait upon him the next day ; when the whole subj -ct was re exam- 
ined, and the distrust heretofore entertained of the accused was 
for ever dismissed.* Nothing now remained to be done, but the 

* Copy of a letter from general Washington to major Lee, in his own hand- 
writing. 

October 13, 1780. 
Dear Sir : 
I am very |,lad youi letter, of this date, has given strength to my conviction of 
the innocence of the gentleman who was the subject of your enquiry. 

I want to see you on a particular piece of business. If the day is fair, and 
nothing of consequence intervenes, I will be at the marquis's quarters by ten, 
o'clock to-morrow. If this should not happen, I shall be glad to see you at 
headquarters. 

I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, G. WASHINGTON. 

-36 



282 Memoirs op the War in the 

seizure and safe delivery of Arnold. To this subject Champe gave 
his undivided attention ; and on the 19th October, major Lee re- 
ceived from him a very particular account of the progress he had 
miide, with the outlines of his plan. This was, without delay, sub- 
mitted to Washington ; with a request for a few additional guineas. 
The general's letter,* written on the same day, (20th October) 
evinces his attention to the minutiae of business, as well as his im- 
mutable determination to possess Arnold alive, or not at all. This 
was his original injunction, which he never omitted to enforce upon 
every proper occasion. 

Major Lee had an opportunity in the course of the week of writ- 
ing to Champe, when he told him that ihe rewards which he had 
promised to his associates would be certainly paid on the delivery 
of Arnold ; and in the mean time, small sums of money would be 
furnished for casual expenses, it being deemed improper that he 
should appear with much, lest it might lead to suspicion and detec- 
tion. That five guineas were now sent, and that more would follow 
when absolutely necessary. 

Ten days elapsed before Champe brought his measures to con- 
clu'^ion, when Lee received from him his final communication, ap- 
pointing the third subsequent night for a party of dragoons to meet 
him at Hoboken, when he hoped to deliver Arnold to the officer. 
Champe had, from his enlistment into the American legion (Arnold's 
corps) every opportunity he could wish, to attend to the habits of 
the general. He discovered that it was his custom to return home 

"* Copy of a letter from general Washington to major Lee, in his own hand- 

writing. 

Headquarters, October 20, 1780. 
Dear Sir : 
The plan proposetl for taking A— — d (the outlines of which are communi- 
cated in your letter, which was this moment put into my hands without date) 
has every mark of a g(>od one. I therefore agree to the promised rewards ; and 
Lave such entire confidence in your managenient of the business, as to give it 
my fullest appiobation ; and leave the whole to ihe guidance ufyour own judgment, 

• with tills express stipulation and pointed injunction, that he (A d) is brought 

to me aliv«. 

No circumstance whatever shall obtnin niy consent to his being put to death. 
The idea which would accompany such an event, would be that ruffians had 
teen hired to assassinate him. My aim is to make a public example of him : 
and this should be strongly impressed upon those who are employed to bring 
him off. The sergeant must be very circumspect; — too much zeal may create 
suspicion, — and too much precipitancy may defeat the project. The most invio- 
lable secrecy must be observed on all hands. I send you five guineas; but I 
am not satisfied of the propriety of the sergeant's appearing with much specie. 
This circumstance may also lead to suspicion, as it is but too well known to the 
enemy that we do not abound in this article. 

The interviews between the party in and out of the city, should be managed 
with much caution and seeming indiflerence ; or else the frequency of their meet- 
ing, &c. may betray the design, and involve bad consequences ; but I am per- 
suaded you will place every matter in a proper point of view to the conductors of 
this interesting business, and therefore I shall only add, that 

I am, dear sir, Sic. &c. 

G. WASHINGTON, 



Southern Department of the United States. 283 

about twelve every night, and that previous to goin? to bed he al. 
ways visited the garden. During this visit the conspirators were 
to seize him, and being prepared with a gag, intended to have ap- 
plied (he same instantly. 

Adjoining the house in which Arnold resided, and that in which 
it was designed to seize and gag him, Champe had taken off seve- 
ral of the pailings and re|>laced them, so that with care and without 
noi:*e he could readily open his way to the adjoining alley. Into 
this alley he meant to have conveyed his prisoner, aided by hi^ 
companion, one of two associates who had been introduced by the 
friend to whom Champe had been originally made known by letter 
from the commander in chief, and with whose aid and counsel he 
had so far conducted the enterprise. His other associate was with 
the boat prepared at one of the wharves on the Hudson river, to 
receive the party. 

Champe and his friend intended to have placed themselves each 
under Arnold's shoulder, and to have thus borne him through the 
most unfrequented alleys and streets to the boat; representmg 
Arnold, in case of being questioned, as a drunken soldier whom 
they were conveying to the guard-house. 

When arrived at the boat the difficulties would be ail surmounted, 
there being no danger nor obstacle in passing to the Jersey shore. 
These particulars as soon as known to Lee, were communicated to 
the commander in chief, who was highly gratified with the much de- 
sired intelligence. He directed major Lee to meet Champe, and 
to take care that Arnold should not be hurt. The day arrived, and 
Lee with a party of dragoons left camp late in the evening, with 
three led horses ; one for Arnold, one for the sergeant and the third 
for his associate, never doubting the success of the enterprise, from 
the tenor of the last received communication. The party readied 
Hoboken about midnight, where they were concealed in the adjoin- 
ing wood, — Lee with three dragoons stationing himself near the 
river shore. Hour after hour passed, — no boat approached. At 
length the day broke and the major retired to his party, and with 
his led horv«5es returned to camp, when he proceeded to headquarters 
to inform the general of the disappointment, as mortifying as inex- 
plicable. Washington having perus,ed Champe's plan and commu- 
nication, had indulged the presumption that al length the object of 
his keen and constant pursuit was sure of execution, and did not 
dissemble the joy such conviction produced. He was chagrined at 
the issue, and apprehended that his faitliful sergeant must have 
been detected in the last scene of his tedious and difficult enter- 
prise. 

In a few days, Lee received an anonymous letter from Champe's 
patron and friend, informing him that on the day prfvious to the 
night fixed for the execution of the plot, Arnold h.td removed his 
quarters to another part of the town, to superintend the embarka- 
tion of troops, preparing (as was rumored) for an expedition to be 
directed by himself; and that the American legion, consisting chief- 
ly of deserters, had been transferred from their barracks to one of 



284 Memoirs of the War in the 

the transports ; it being apprehended that if left on shore until the 
expedition was ready, oiany of them mi^ht desert. Thus it hap- 
pened that John Channpe, instead of crossing the Hudson that night, 
was safely deposited on board one of the fleet of transports, from 
whence he never departed until the trooj)S under Arnold landed in 
Virginia ! Nor was he able to escape fronri the British army until 
after the junction of lord Cornvvailis at Petersbu!!-', when he desert- 
ed ; and proceeding high up into Virginia, he pa?sed into North 
Carolina near the Saura towns, and keepinii; in the friendly districts 
of that state, safely joined the army soon after it had passed the 
Congaree in pursuit of Lord Kawdon. 

His appearance excited extreme surprise among his former com- 
rades, which was not a little increased when they saw the cordial 
reception he met with from lieutenant colonel Lee. His whrle 
«tory soon became known to the corps, which reproduced tiie love 
and respect of officer and soldier, heightened by universal admir«i- 
tion of his daring and arduous attempt. 

Champe was introduced to general Greene, who cheerfully com- 
plied with the promises made by the commander in chief, as far 
as in his power ; aud having provided the sergeant with a good 
horse and money for his journey, sent him to general Washington, 
who munificently anticipated every desire of the sergeant, and pre- 
sented him with a discharge from further service,* lest he might in 
the vicissitudes of war, fall into the enemy's hands ; when if re- 
cognized, he was sure to die on a gibbet. 



CHAI'TER XXXf. 

JLiORD CORNWALLIS, whom we left at Wilmington, in pursu- 
ance of his ultimate decision moved on the 'i5th of April ; eigliteea 
days after Greene had advanced upon Camden. Previous Ito his 
march, he communicated to major general Phillips his intention, 
and his route ; de-ignating Petersburg as the place of junction be- 
tween himself and Phillips. Proceeding towards Halifax on the 
Roanoke, the British general preserved (by the rigidness with 
which he enforced his orders) the country from devastation, and 
private properly from spoliation ; hoping, bv the exercise of his 
natural moderation and humanity, to give effect to his unremitted 

* When general Washington was called by president Adams to the command 
of the Armv, prepared to ,lefend the coi.ntiy from French hostility, he sent to 
lieutenrtiit colonel Lee to inquire for Champe ; being determined to bring him 
into the field at the head of a company of infantry." 

Lee sent to Loudon county, where Champe settled after his discharge from 
the army ; and leirncd thdt the gallant soldier had removed to Kentucky, an* 
sad soon after died. 



Southern Department of the United States. 2W 

exertions to bring all the loyalists of North Carolina into active co^ 
opfTulion with his army. But wisely and perseveringly as he en- 
deavoured to realize this favourite object, his success was very 
partial. The severe cha:stisement so often ex{)erienced by these 
mon, the unceasing vigilance of government, and the force of 
Greene's operations in South Carolina, were irresistable in their 
etlect. Happily for themselves, happily for their country, these 
deluded people adhered to a slate ot quiescence. In this condition 
of things, the militia were ordered to the tield, and some portions 
of them actually embodied, — well disposed (as militia always are) 
to sujstain the common cause ; but (like militia thu-< organized al- 
ways are and ever will be) incapable of executing their wish, or tiie 
will of government.* Lieutenant colonel Tarieton led, as usual, 
the advance of Cornwallis, supported by lieutenant colonel Hamil- 
ton, (of the North Carolina regiment) well known in that state, and 
univer.sally esteemed and respected. To the intiuence and effort* 
of tins othcer may, in a groat degree, be ascribed the moderation 
exhibited by the advanced corps t on iheir march ; alike repugnant 
to the principles, the temper and habits it had heretotbre displayed. 
During the tedious progress from Cape Fe.ir to the Koanoke, the 
enemy met no interruption. Even his foraging parties were un- 
disturbed ; and the maramiers accompanying his army passed and 
repassed in security, unless detected and apprehended by British 
guards and British patrols. A general torporj prevailed throughout 
the country through which the British general took his course ; 
ascribable, not to the languor of the inhabitants, but to the impo- 
tency of government. After reaching Halifix, the British army 
halted. Here the restrained licentiousness of the unprincipled 
burst out, and shocking outrages were committed upon our unpro- 

* To the latter affirmation in this remarlt, the campaigns of general Jackson, 
and the Tennesee riflt^men, afforil direct contradiction. Tliey and iheif chiei", 
weie both able and willing to defeat the best troops of Europe. — Ed. 

+ Colonel Hamilton had, before the war, resided in Norfolk ; where his good- 
ness, liospitality and urbanity had attracted universal esteem. His business 
leading him into much acquaintance with the inhabitants of North Carolina, 
he acquired there, as in LVorfoik, the general regard Believing the mother 
country ri^ht in the dispute which led to the war, Hamilton took part witb 
Great Britain, and beca-me a soldier. He raised a regiment of North Caroli- 
nians, and both in ihr field and in the cabinet performed essential services to 
his general : serving in the South, first under Prevosi, afterwarrls under sir 
Henry Clinton, and lastly under lord Cornwallis, in whose confidence he stood 
very high. Not only the native goodness ofhis iieart set Hamilton against those 
destructive proceedings too often practised by the corps of Tarleton ; but he was 
particulatly desirious to preserve the inhabitants of North Carolina safe from 
insult and injury ; in consequence as well of his own acquaintance with many 
of them, as of his solicitude to bring the mass of the people into support of the 
royal measures. 

\ At Swift run, and at Fish creek, parties of our mjlitia skirmished with th^ 
British van, — but these attempts were slight and soon crushed. They were th* 
only ones essayed between Wilmington and Halifax, where a move serious ef- 
fort ensued J but this loo was quickly overpowered. 



286 Memoirs of the War in the 

tected fellow citizens, — disgraceful to British arms^, and degrading 
to the name of man.* 

Genernl Phillips took possession of Petersburg on the 9th of 
May, extremely ill with a bilious fever, which had afflicted him 
for several days ; and in spite of all medical exertions, it put a 
period to his life on the 13th ; by which event the command of the- 
army devolved upon brigadier Arnold. 

Cornwalhs leaving Halifax, passed the Roanoke, whence he de- 
tached lieutenant colonel Tarleton with his legion to the Meherrin, 
to hold the fords across that river : lieutenant colonel Simcoe, with 
his rangers, being at the same time sent forward by general Arnold 
to the Nottoway, for the hke purpose. No interruption was at- 
tempted against either detachment : all the force assembled tor the 
protection of the state being with La Fayette in his position near 
Richmond. Following the advanced corps, Cornwallis passed the 
Meherrin, then the Nottoway, And on the 20th entered Petersburg. 

One month of the best season of the year for military operations, 
had been nearly expended in the march from Wilmington by one 
army • while the other, during the like period, occupied itself in 
the trivial expeditions iieretofore described — as inoperative to effect 
the great object in view, as they were disgraceful to the British go- 
vernment, and oppreissive to private individuals. 

The union of the two armies gave to the British general a force 
so far superior to his enemy, as to threaten the destruction of Vir- 
ginia. Cornwallis did not excel in numbers only ; his troops were 
excellent, with the exception of Arnold's corps. Exclusive of the 
garrison of Portsmouth, two battalions of lisht infantry, the Queen's 
rangers (horse and Ibol) under lieutenant colonel Simcoe, the seven- 
ty-sixth and eightieth British regiments, with that of Hesse, two 
companies of yagers, and Arnold's American legion, with a well ap- 
pointed detachment of artillery, composed the force lately under 
Phillips, and were now united to the tried troops of the South, la 
addition, a reinforcement was in James river from New York under 
o-eneral Leslie, consisting of the seventeenth and forty-third regi- 
ments British, and two battalions of Anspach. The seventeenth 
reo-iment and the Anspach battalions were ordered to Portsmouth, 
the command of which post was confided to general Leslie, while 
the forty-third was destined to join Cornwallis. About this time 
the British general received a despatch from lord Rawdon, commu- 
nicating his victory at Hobkick's hill ; and as if nothing should be 

* These enormities being disfovered by lord Coniwalljg, lie halted the light 
troops about four miles beyond tiie Roanoke. 

"On the arrival of some country people, earl Cornwallis directed lieutenant 
colonel Tarleton to dismount bis dragoons and mounted infantry, and to form 
them into a rank entire for the convenient inspection of the inhabitants, to fa- 
cilitate the discovery of the villains who had committed atrocious outrages the 
precedin'^ evening. A sergeant and one private dragoon were pointed out, and 
accused of rape and robbery : they were conducted to Halifax, where they were 
condemned lo death by martial law. The immediate infliction of the sentence, 
exhibited to the army and manifested to the country the discipline and justitf . 
of the British general." (See Tarlelon's Campaigns.) 



Southern Department of the IJnited States. 287 

wanting to stimulate the exertions of his lordship, he was nlso offi- 
cially advised of the saihng of a fleet from Cork in Ireland, with 
three regiments, destined tor South Carolina. 

The success of Raw»lon, and the reinforcement from Ireland, 
calmed the disquietude heretofore excited in the breast of CornwaU 
lis by general Greene's return to South Carolina ; and reproduced 
the frdlacious hope, that while he prostrated Virginia, Rawdon would 
maintain undiminished bis late conquests. 

La Fayette still held his position near Richmond, occasionally 
strengthened by detachments of militia brought into the field by the 
unceasing efforts of governor Jefferson. 

Buron Steuben, with six hundred levies, was on the south of James 
river, proceeding to South Carolina to reinforce Greene ; and briga- 
dier Wayne, with the Pennsylvania line, (now reduced to eight or 
nine hundred) was on bis march from the Northern army to unite 
with La Fayette. 

The baron was recalled, and directed to take post at the Point of 
Fork, the depot of most of our remaining military stores ; and gene- 
ral Nelson, with two thousand militia in the field, continued with 
La Fayette ; while general VVeedon, of the continental line, (now 
at home, in consequence of the diminution of our force,) was re- 
quested to collect a corps of the militia in the vicinity ot Fredericks- 
burg, for the purpose of covering the most important and well con- 
ducted manufactory of arms in the state, established at Falmouth, a 
small village on the north of the Rappahannock, one mile above Fre- 
dericksburg, and under the direction of Mr. John Strode — a gen- 
tleman singularly adapted, by his genius and habits, for its superin- 
tendence. 

La Fayette's force, in his camp below Richmond, did not exceed 
four thousand, of which three fourths were militia. But in confor- 
mity to the system adopted by governor Jefferson, continental offi- 
cers were substituted, in the higher commands, for those of the mi- 
litia ; which, although not very well relished by those who retired, 
was highly grateful to the Boldiers ; who, perceiving the perils be- 
fore them, rejoiced in being led by tried and experienced men. 
Such will always be the effect of acknowledged danger on the mind 
of man. 

La Fayette selected seven hundred and fifty of his best militia 
marksmen, and dividing them into three corps of light infantry, of 
. two hundred and fifty each, he placed them respectively under the 
orders of majors Call, Willis, and Dick, regular officers. This ar- 
tangement was judicious, and during the campaign its beneficial ef- 
fect was often felt. 

Could the American general have united to this body of infantry 
an adequate corps of cavalry, he would have very much increased 
its utility ; but of this species of force he was unfortunately almost 
destitute, although the two states of Mar3'Iand and Virginia furnish 
horses of the best quality. Only the remnant of Armand's corps 
(not more than sixty,) and a troop of volunteer dragoons, under 
captain Carter Page, late of Baylor's regiment, were with him. 



288 Memoirs of the War in the 

Sir Henry Clinton states ibe force in Virginia, previous to the 
arrival of lord Cornwidii?, to be tive thou.s;uid three hundred and 
four. Since his lordship's assumption of the command, general Les- 
lie (as has been mentioned) joined with three regiments from New- 
York, of which the forty-third was added to the army. The field 
force under Cornwallis cannot be esfimaled under eight thousand — 
more than double of that acting with his adversary. What added 
vastly to this superiority was the enemy's strength in horse. His* 
dragoons were rated at four hundred, to which were united seven or 
eight hundred mounted infantry. During four days' halt in Peters- 
burg, which period of rest was necessary to the army from VVil- 
niington, the British general communicated his situation, strength 
and views to his commander in chief and gave all requisite direc- 
tions to the corps of Leslie occupying Portsmouth — that of Craig, 
in possession of Wilmington — and to lord Rawdon, commanding the 
army of defence in the two southern states. On the 24th of May 
bis lordship moved, taking the routp on the south ot tiie Appomat- 
tox, with a determination of passing the James river. at Westover, 
the seat of the iate colonel Byrd ; where he not only could avail 
hin:self of maritime aid in the transportation of his army across 
the river, but might with facility draw to him the forty-third regi- 
ment, not yet disembarked. Here general Arnold, having obtained 
permission to return to New York, left the array. This step has 
been ascribc^d to two motives, each of which probably had its influ- 
ence : the lifst was a prospect of a very active campaign, in the 
vicissitudes wheieof he might fall into our hands ; and the last, his 
own unpleasant situation among the British officers, — always irk- 
some to him from their objections to his company and control, and 
now considerably increa-ed by the reluctance of the officers who 
had served with so much glorj' and effect in the Carolinas, to receive 
orders from a traitor 

Nearly three days were occupied in the passage of James river ; 
although unobstructed by any attempt on our side, and although 
facilitated by every exertion on the part of the British navy, and 
though all ttie horses belonging to the army swam the river, mora 
than two n)iles wide. 

As soon as liie rear division !»ad passed, tlie main body proceeded 
to White Oak swamp, to which place the light troops ujider Tarle- 
ton and Simcoe, had moved tiie da}' previous. La Fayette, well 
informed of the enemy's motions, and prepared for retreat, broke 
up from his position below Fiichmond, and fell behind the Chicko- 
hominy river, in the direction towards Fredericksburg ; for the 
double purpose of approximating brigadier Wayne ; on his march 
from the north, and of covering the manufactory of arms in the 
vicinity of Falmouth. 

The British general followed with zeal and rapidity, and crossed 
the Chickoliominy at bottom bridge, manifesting his determination 
to force La Fayette into battle before his junction with Wayne ; 
which certainly ought to have been his primary object, and might 
have been effected by his decided superiority in cavalry, augmented 
by mounted infantry. 



Southern Department of the United States. 289 

La Fayette felt his extreme inferiority, and used every mean iu 
his power to draw to his aid additional reinforcements in horse and 
foot. To the governor, to Steuiien, to Nelson, and to Weedon, he 
apphed wilh zeal bordering on importunity ; and his applications 
received, as they merited, due respect. But the preparations had 
been improvidently delayed, and the loss of our n)ilitary stores at 
We>ithain, during /Vrnold's inva^^ion, deprived us of the necessary 
arms and equipments ; which, wilh the removal of families and of 
property, practised [low in every direction, very much limited [he 
effect of the various exertions made to comply with hi« requests. 

During the invasion of Leslie, which succeeded ihat under Mat- 
thews, governor Jefferson (in pursuance of the full powers with 
which he had bc-en vested by the general assembly) had brought 
into the tield some legionary coi ps, under the most approved con- 
tinental officers of the Virginia line. 

Brigadier Law son, who commanded one of the two brigades of 
Virginia militia ivfiich behaved so handsomely at the battle of Guil- 
ford court house, was at the head of the strongest of these corps, 
having under liim the lieutenant colonels Monroe,* Bannister and 
Mercer. t As soon as Leslie abandoned Virginia to join Cornwallis 
in South Carolina, Lawson's corps had been disbanded ; by which 
means the horse commanded by Bannister was lost to the state, 
when our situation now so pres?ingly required cavalry. 

On receiving La Fayette's request, brigadier Weedon applied 
to lieutenant colonel Mercer, who had served fmm the first year 
of the war in the third regiment of Virginia, until the battle of 
Monmouth. He w:is then one of the aids of major general Lee ; 
and believing his general's suspension from his command both un- 
just and unwise, he retired from tlie profession of arms, for vvhich 
he was well qualified, and in which he had acquired, by severe and 
active service, considerable proficiency with personal distinction. 
This gentleman instantly complied with Weedon's application ; and 
in a few days raised a troop of dragoons, composed of the youth 
of the best t'amilies in his neighbourhood, mounted and equipped 
at their own expense. With this troop Mercer hastened to the 
retiring army, — a small but acceptable aid. 

La Fayette, adhering to the example and instructions of Greene, 
continued to retreat ; and before Corowallis reached the Coicko- 
hominy, had passed the Pamunkey, the southern branch of York 
river. 

In this position he was overtaken by a detachment of the light 
troops under lieutenant colonel Tarleton, whose sudden approach 
compelled him to form his army for battle. Had this movement of 
Taileton been intended as a seiious operation, it would have been 
adequately supported, and must have terminated in the destructioa. 
or dispersion of the American force ; an event full of ill, not only 
to the suffering state but to the Union. 

* James Monroe, now secretary of state, 
t John Mercer, late governor o£ Maryland. 
37 



290 Memoirs of the War in the 

Wayne an(l Steuben never con\A have formed a junction but by 
crossing the Blue ridge, and uniting on its western side. Corn- 
whIIis seems to have been sure of bis meditated victim, if we may 
judge of hi? expectation from a paragraph of a letter of his, pub- 
lished m doctor Ramsay's history of the revolution in South Caro- 
lina wherein he says, "the boy cannot escape me." Like all sol- 
diers over confident, he contrived to foil himself. The realization 
of tiiis hope was not, indeed, difficult ; as La Fayette had not pre- 
served, on his retreat, the distance from his enemy required by 
his great inferiority. 

He was often not more than twenty mi|ps from the British gen- 
eral, who had at hi* disposal at least one lbou>^and horse and mount- 
ed infantry. Putting one soldier behind each of those mounted, 
he could by an easy exertion, in any twenty four hours, have 
placed two thousand veterans, conducted by skilful and experienced 
officers, close to his enemy ; whose attempt to retreat would have 
been so embarrassed and delayed as to have given time for the main 
body to approach. Then La Fayette's destruction would have been 
as easy as inevitable. Why this plain mo<le of operation was over- 
lookeil and neglected by Cornwaliis, did then and does still excite 
the surprise of all intelligent soldiers conversant with the transac- 
tion. Lieutenant colonel Mercer, with his small cor[>s of horse, 
joined La Fayette in this critical situation, and was very instrumen- 
tal in discovering that the corps under Tarleton was only a large 
patrole. The communication of this intelligence repressed those 
afflicting reflections which this apparent danger could not fail to 
create in an officer less penetrating and less anxious than the gallant 
La Fayette. 

Tarleton did not continue long in his front, during which time 
one of his exploring parties was so fortunate as to intercept a cou- 
rier conveying letters from the American general to Greene, Steu- 
ben and governor Jefferson. In the letter to Jefferson, the marquis, 
as lieutenant colonel Tarleton informs us, " prophetically declared 
that the British success in Virginia resembled the French invasion 
and possession of Hanover* in the preceding war, and was likely 

*It is well known that the niarsh;i! D'Estrees was opposed in 1757, to the 
duke of Cumberland in Germany ; and that passing the river Weser, !ie fol- 
lowed the duke step by step; overtook him at Hastenbek, fought him and beat 
him 

Marshal Richelieu now succeeded D'Estrees, and pressing the late victory, 
drove the duke upon the mouth of the Elbe, when he surrendered his army by 
convention ; by which means the electorate of Hanover fell into the possession 
of the French. 

The great Frederick, already in the greatest distress, was in consequence of 
(he surrender of the duke of Cumberland, more oppressed, as it enabled the 
prince of Soubise, at the head of one of the armies closing upon Frederick to 
draw a considerable reinforcement from marshal Richelieu. Nevertheless the 
king of Prussia fell upon Soubise at Rosbach, and gained a signal victory. 
The Hanoverians, encouraged by this event, exerted themselves greatly; and 
as the French monarch had not ratified the convention of Closterseven, the 
army of the duke was considered as relieved from its conditions, and joined 
the Hanoverians. Richelieu was speedidly forced out of Hanover with consid- 
erable loss; and the electorate restored to the king of England. 



Southern Department of the United Stales, 291 

to have similar consequences, if the government and country would 
exert themselves at the present juncture." 

As soon as the British patrole drew off, La Fayette broke up, 
and abandoning the protection of Fredericksburg, and the m.jnnfac- 
tory of arms in its neiiihbourhood, hastened by forced marches 
through the western part of Spotsylvania county, across the head 
waters of the Maltapony, the northern branch of York river, to 
gain the road on which Wayne was advancing. This unavoidable 
departure from his original system was executed with indefatigalde 
diligence ; nor did he ever again, during his retreat, risk himself 
within twenty miles of his antngnnist ; so thoroughly had Tarleion's 
late approach convinced him of the peril to which he would be 
exposed. 

Cornwal'ls persevered in pursuit ; but finding that the distance be- 
t'.veen his adversary and himself daily increased, he hailed and lurn- 
ej his mind to inferior objects. He had in the former campaign 
experienred tiie ineffinacy of pursuing Greene ; and forgetting hia 
then and present coixlition, as well as that of Greene and ofLa Fay- 
ette, he determined to struggle no longer to stop the junction of the 
latter with Wayne, but to employ his force in cowering the mind 
of the st:ite, and in destroying all its remaining resources for the 
maintenance of armed resistance. 

To this decision he seems to have been led by his conviction that 
Wayne, united to L» Fayette, diminished so little his own relative 
superiority, as to forbid his inattention to other objects deemed by 
himself important, while it would increase the chance of striking 
his meditated blow against both. Two considerations entitled to 
weight, supported this decision. The fir*t grew out of the char- 
acter of Wayne, which, after junction with La Fayette could not 
but mix itself in the subsequent operations, he being second in com- 
mand ; and the last arose from the increase of difficulty in move- 
ment, as well as in the procur'^ment of necessary food for man and 
horse. He therefore turned his attention to the execution of such 
plans, as would manifest to the inhabitants their defenceless condi- 
tion, and inflame their pas»iions against those entrusted with their 
gat'ety, who had thus abandoned them to the enemy. 

Although the course adopted by the British general varied mate- 
rially from that which a just estimate of the conjuncture and of his 
own force seemed to dictate, yet it was supported by cogent reasons. 

Cornwallis might ha\e pursued his flying enemy with increased 
vigour, as has been before explained ; and this he ought to have 
done, es[>ecially alter being informed by Tarleton ot the effect of 
his approach. Pressing La Fayette by forced marches, his two 
thousand mounted veterans must have overtaken him before Wayne 
joined ; and in the attempt to overtake, by understanding the situa- 
tion of Wayne, it is possible he might have so operated on La Fay- 
ette's anxiety to avoid battle, (by adhering to the intermediate route 
between Fayette and Wayne) as to have induced the former tofdl off 
to his left, placing himself behind the little mcintains of Orange coun- 
ty, and yielding up as well his junction with Wayne, as Wayne and 



292 Memoirs of the War in the 

liis detachment. This heavy sacrifire would have been justified by 
the constqiieiit salvation of the Himy of La Fayette But should 
La Fayette's judgment and intelliy; nee have enabled hina to avoid 
the keen pursuit, and to have m .de good bis junction with Wayne, 
his united force was }-[\l\ so inadt^quate, that he must persevere in 
retreat, when that operation would not only be rendered more dif- 
ficult tha I before from his augmentation in force, but also from the 
peculiar character of Wayne and the brave corps under his com- 
mand. 

General Wayne had a constitutional attachment to the decision of 
the sword, and Ibis cast of character had acquired strength from 
indulgence, as well as from the native temper of the troops he 
commanded. They were known by the designation of the line of 
Peimsylvania ; whereas they might have been with more propriety 
called the line of Ireland. 

Bold and daring, they were impatient and refractory ; and would 
always prefer an appe:il to the bayonet, to a toilsome march. 

Restless under the want of food and whiskey ; adverse to ab- 
sence from their baggage ; and aitachod to the pleasures of the 
table ; Wa)'!.^ and his bri;:ade were more encumbered with wagons 
than any equal portion of the army. 

'i'he general and his soldiers were singularly fitted for close and 
stubborn action, h.ind to hand, in the centre of the army ; but very 
little adapted to the prompi and toilsome service to which La Fay- 
ette was and must be exposed, so long as the British general con- 
tinued to press him. 

CornwaMi? therefore did not miscalculate when be presumed that 
the junction of Wayne would increase, rather than diminish, his 
chance ot bringing iiis antagonist to action. 

Had the British general pressed forward, determining never to 
stop until h*i iorced his eiifmy lo the last ap|)eal. La Fayette or 
Wayne must have fallen if severed from each other ; and if united 
both might liave been destroyed 'J'he Rappahannock lay in their 
rear: this river must be passed, and was in various points fordable^ 
unless swelled by tall oi rain. If the American army made good 
its retreat over the Rappaliannnck, it never could reach the Poto- 
mac without a blow ; and that blow, from the enemy's vast superi- 
ority of horse, must have b^en fatal. 

The destruction of La Favetie being accomplished, the British 
general had only to take post on the heights above Stafford court- 
house, with his left resting on the village t>f Falmouth, to secure all 
the plenlitui country in his rear between the tvvo rivers, as well as 
that on tlie sonlhern margin of the Rappahannock ; and to establish a 
convenientcominunication with such portion of his fleet as he might 
req lire to be seni up the Potomac. 

This course of ojieralions was however happily omitted, and 
another was adojxed, very unlike the adventurous and decisive 
policy which had heretofore unitbrmi)' distinguished lord Corn- 
wallis. 

It appears as if sir Henry Clinton had contemplated ordering the 



Southern Department of the United States, 293 

Virginia army to the head of the Chesapeake, to which, it seems, 
he was encourageci by a conrtdence thai in Maryhind, in Pennsyl- 
vania, and in a portion of Virginia on the upper Potomac, he should 
6nd a large body of determined friends. 

The evidence which supported this impression remains unascer- 
tained. As far as American information can be relied upon, we 
may venture to conchide that the British commander in chief was 
very much misinformed. Some trifling districts in parts of Mary- 
land, and a small portion of the county of Hampshire in Virginia, 
was believed to be well atTected to Great Britain ; but if all the dis- 
affected in both s'ates had been united in any one spot, they would 
have jjrpsented but an inconsiderable allurement to the formation 
of a plan like that supposed to be entertained by sir Henry Clinton. 
Whatever might have been the British general's intelligence and 
views, it is very evident, from his letters to lord Cornwallis, that 
he inclined very murh to hold his lordship near to Hampton Koads, 
for the protection of such f the Bri^tish navy as should be employed 
within the capes of Virginia, and with the design of pushing solid 
operations at the head of the Chesapeake, as soon as every appre- 
hension of interruption from the French navy should cease. 

Considerations, drawn from due respect to the plan of his chief, 
no doubt contributed to turn lord Cornwallis from the splendid 
prospect before him. 

The Bri ish general having decided on his course, made two con- 
siderable detachments from his army while encamped in the county 
of Hanover, for the purpose of destroying our magazines at the 
Point of Fork,* under the protection of baron Steuben with the raw 
levys under him, and of seizing the governor and the members of 
the general assembly of the Commonwealth convened at Charlotte- 
ville, a small town on the western side of the Rivannah, the north- 
ern branch of James river. 

Lieutenant colonel Simcoe commanded one of these detachments, 
composed of the Q'leen's rangers (horse and foot) and the yagers, 
amounting to five hundred men ; while the other, consisting of the 
legion and one company of the twenty-third regiment, was placed 
under the orders of lieutenant colonel Tarleton. 

Simcoe was directed to fall upon the baron if practicable ; at all 
events to force him across the Fluvannah, the southern branch of 
James river, and to destroy our magazines ; while Tarleton was 
charged with the interception of the governor and general assembly, 
and with the destruction of all military stores and other resources 
nece-saiy for tlie maintenance of the war on his route. 

These enterprising ofticers took their parts with their accustomed 
vigeur. 

Recrossing the two branches of the Pamunkey, Simcoe pro- 
ceeded on the direct route to the Point of Fork, and Tarletoa 
moved on the road to Louisa court-house. 

* The Point of Fork is the tongue of lanft made by the Rivannah and Flu- 
vannah livers at their conRueiice, when the united streams take the name of 
James river. 



294 Memoirs of the War in the 

Cornwallis, with the main body, followed on the route of Sitncoe. 

The former officer conducted his msirch with the utmost secrecy ; 
and, by detaining as prisoners all whom he overtook, he concealed his 
advance from the baron. Although unapprised of the intended at- 
tack upon his own post, Steuben became acquainted with the move- 
ment of Tarleton. In consequence of this information he engaged 
with diligence in removing our stores of every sort to the southern 
banks of the Fluvannah : which being done, he passed the river 
with his corps, securing all the boats on its south side Simcoe 
reached the Point oi Fork about the conclusion ot the barons pas- 
sage over the river, and captured a few of our troops waiting for 
the return of some of the boats. Chagrined at this disappointm<^nt, 
tl>e British commander determined to recover by str;itagem what he 
had lost by his enemy's foresight. He encamped on the heights 
opposite to our camp, and by the number of his fires suggested to 
the baron tlie probability tliat the whole British army was only di- 
vided from him by the river. Thus impressed, and knowing that 
the corps of Tarleton was on his Ipft, Steuben believed himself lo 
be in imminent danger, and decided on saving his C' rp-; \ty the 
sacrifice of his stores. During <be night the baron drew off. and, 
inarching diligently, placed himself thirty miles from his foe. As 
soon as Simcoe perceived the next morning that the baron had de- 
camped, he detached captain Stevenson with a section of light infan- 
try and cornet VVolsey with four dragoons across the river in ca- 
noes ; the first to destioy our stores, and the second, by mounting 
his dragoons on such iiorses as he could procure, to patrole some 
miles on the route of the baron to preserve the appearance of con- 
tinuation of pursuit. VVolsey's advance had the de.-ired efl'ect. 
One of the baron's exploring parties fell in with him, and presuming 
that he was the preciir*or lo the light corps, retired precipitately 
to the baron with information of the occuircnce. Our corps was 
immediately put in motion, and retired still further from the river. 
Nor would the baron have halted until he reached general Greene, 
but for orders from Gieene directing him to return to Fayette. 
Most of the arms found wt-re muskets out of repair : they were 
however destroyed, as were the other military stores, except some 
brass cannon and mortars, which were mounted on carriages and 
conveyed to the British h'-adquarters.* 

Lieutenant colonel I'arleton leaving the neighbourhood of Louisa 
court house about two in the moinirig, having rested his corps onlv 
three hours, pur>Ui'd his march with vigour. 

Unluckily tor Greene's distressed army, Tarleton overtook twelve 
wagons laden with clothing, under a weak guard, proceeding south. 
These were instantly taken aiid burnt. The British lieutenant 
colonel, knowing that his success depondi^d on his activity, con- 
tinued his march with diligence : but hearing that some ofour inlloen- 
tial citizens, — refugees from the lower country, — resided at Dr. 

*This account of Sinicoe.'s expedition, Mr. Jefferson pvi(iently misapprehended ; 
as it agrees with his own. See his letter of the 15th ami 30lh Alay, aiiie. — td. 



Southern Department of the United States. 295 

Walker's, and at Mr. John Walker's, whose houses were near hig 
route, he injudicioo^ly determined to spare the time necessary for 
the capture of all who might be fonnd at the two houses. Detaching 
captain Kinioch with one troop for the purpose of securing those 
at Mr. Jonn Walker's, he went himself to the doctor's, where he 
made pi i^oner Mr. John Simms, of Hanover, brother to Patrick 
Hr-nr_y, (a member of the senaie, and first governor of the state,) with 
other gf-nllemen. 

Captain Kinioch was equally successful.* He surprised and took 
three of our citizens, — Francis Kinioch, a member of congress 
fronj South Carohna, and William and Robert Nelson, Lrotliers to 
genera! Nelson, all inrtucntial citiz.^ns ; and who suspecliog the 
approach of parties of the enemy had taken measures for their 
safety, which by the ad(ires? and rapid advance of the British cap- 
tain were rendered unavailing. This waste of time saved the mem- 
bers of the assembly. Before the British cavalry reached Walker's, 
Mr. Jouitle, a private gentleman, luckily descried them ; and has- 
tened by a disused road to ChMrlotteville to alarm the general as- 
sembly, believing their capture to be the enemy's objpct. 

Tarieton spent some lime in resting his horses, and in paroling 
such of his prisoners as he chose to indulge with their paroles. 
Then resuming his march, he advanced with ardour upon Char- 
lotteville ; not doubting, as he had marched seventy miles in twen- 
ty-four hours, that his success would be complete. 

Nor could he have been disappointed, had he not halted at Walk- 
er's : for active and anxious as was Mr. Jouitte to out-itrip the ene- 
my, he would probaldy have failed but for Tarleton's diversion (o 
a secondary object; or even if he had been so fortunate as to pre- 
cede the British colonel, the few minutes' notice would have been 
insutiicient to secure a general escape. 

As soon as Tarleton's van reached the Rivanna, it pressed for- 
ward in full charge through the river, followed by the main body. 
A small guard posted on the western bank was overpowered, and 
the enemy with concurring celerity fell upon the town. Jouitte 
had previously arrived, and the assembly adjourning immediately, 
its members hastened av/ay. A few of these genllemrn were ne- 
vertheless taken, as were several officers and soldiers. All our 
stores at this place, consisting of four humh'eil pounds of powder, 
one thousand stand of arins (manufactured in the armory near Fal- 
moutii), a quantity of tobacco, and some clothing provided for the 
Southern army, were destroyed. The British troops taken at 
Saratoga were cantoned in the neighbourhood of this village, and 
many of the soldiers were permitted to labour for their own emol- 
ument in the vicinity of the barracks. Of these twenty joined the 
British lieutenant colonel in the few hours he continued in Char- 
lotteville. 

* This officer was a near relation to Francis Kialoch, member of congress. 
When he left England for America he told their common lelatiuns, that he 
should certainly capture his cousin ; which prediction was now verified, iiDpro- 
bable as it was. 



296 Memoirs of the War in the 

The attempt to tnke the g;overnor, who was at his house in sight 
of the town, failed Apprised of the approach of the dr.i<iOons, 
he very readily saved himself hy taking shelter in an adjacent spur 
of the mountriins. 

Lieutenant colonel Tarleton leaving Charlottevi'le in the after- 
noon, proceeded down the Kivann;i towards the Point of Fork, in 
the neighbourhood whereof lord Cornwallis had arrived with the 
main body. 

La Fayette did not intermit retreat until he passed the Rapidan, 
the southern branch of the Rappahannock. In a few days after- 
wards the corps under Wayne, between eight and nme hundred 
strong, joined him. 

Soon after Tarleton's return to lord Cornwallis, his corps was 
reinforced by the seventy sixth regiment, commanded by major 
Ne^dham, and the lieuteniint colonel leceived orders to mount the 
seventy sixtli, and to prepare for another expedition* By rt^fer- 
ence to lord Cornwallis's instructions, published in Tarleton's Cam- 

* Copi/ of a letter from earl Cornwallis to lieutenant colonel Tarleton. 

Jefferson^s Plantation, June dlh, 1781. 
Dear Tarleton : 

You will pro* ee'l with the detachment of cavalry anri mounted infantry under 
your command, before day brenk to-morrow morning, to Albemarle olfl court- 
house, where you will destroy any stores you may find. If you then hear of 
no other stores of any consequence on this side thu Fiuvannah, and the barou 
Steuben should still be on tlie other side, you will cross that river, and make 
it your principal object to strike a blow at baron Steuben ; as th'^ corps under 
his command consists of part of the new levies, and is the foundation on which the 
body of the eighteen month's men, lately voted by the province of Virginia, will 
be formed. It will be of the utmost importance to deleat and destroy it : I shall, 
therefore, wish you to take every means in your jjower of eflfecting this service, 
if you should see a probability of success. I likewise recomiuend it to you to 
destroy all the enemy's stores and tobacco between James river and the Dan ; 
and if there should be a quantity of provisions or corn collected at a private 
house, I Would have you destroy it, even although theie should be no proof of 
its bKing intended for the public service, leaving enough for the support of the 
family ; as there is the greatest reason to apprehend thsit such provisions will 
be ultimately appropriates by the enemy to tiie use of general Greene's army, 
which, from the present state of the Caruliuas, must depend on this province 
for its supplies. 

1 shall praceed by easy marches to Richmond, and it will probably be a busi- 
ness of eight or nine days from this time before I can get up my boats to that 
place to receive you ; so that you may very well employ that time on your ex- 
pedition. As it is very probable that some of the light troops of general Greene's 
army may be on their march to this country, you will do all you can to procure 
intelligence of their route. I need not tell you of what importance it will be 
to intercept them, or any prisoners of ours from South Cirolina. 

I would have all persons of consequence, either civil or military, brought 
to me before they are paroled. Most sincerely wishing; you success, and plac- 
ing the greatest confidence in your zeal and abilities, I am, with great truth 
and regard, 

Dear Tarleton, 

Most faithfully yours, 

CORNWALLIS, 



Southern Department of the United States. 297 

paigns, the destruction of our stores at Albemarle Old Court house, 
the pursuit nnd dispersion of the corps of Steuben, and the inter- 
ception of some light troops believed to be on their march from the 
arm> o( Greene to reinforce La Faj'eite, constituted the objects of 
the intended enterprise. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton was directed, 
after completing his ixpeiiition, to take the route on the south side 
of James river to the town of Manchester, where boats would be 
provided lo transport himself and corps across the river to Richmond, 
to which place the British general intended to proceed. 

La Fayette, having effected his junction with Wa^'ne, lost no 
time in recrossing the Rapidan, and advancing towards the ene- 
my — of whose proceedings he was regularly advised, and whose 
present position was ascertained." Penetrating into the most prom* 
inent of his lordsh.p's designs, the American general took the re- 
solution of interrupting their execution. With this view he moved 
towards Albemdrle Old Court house holding himself convenient 
to the upper country. Cornw.dlis, apprised as well of the junc- 
tion of VVayne as of the direction of La Fayette's course of ntKtrch, 
did not doubt but that the |)reservation of the stores at Albemarle 
Old Court-house, and the safety of the corps of Steuben, alike en- 
gaged his adversary's inter>tion. Willing that he should proceed on 
his experiment, the British general held back lieutenant colonel 
Tarleton, who was now ready for the intended expedition, and 
continued in his position at Jefferson's plantation, convenient to his 
adversary's presumed route, with a detachment to fall upon him in 
his progress. La Fayette's discernment and activity btffled com- 
pletely these views. Turning into a difficult and unfrequented road, 
which not only shortened his distance to the point in view, but 
threw him further from the enemy, he crossed the Rivannah before 
the British general was acquainted with his having reached it ; and 
taking po«t behind Mechunk creek, sat down on the direct route, 
from the British camp to Albemarle Old Cour< house. Here he 
was reinforced by colonel Campbell, one of the heroes of King's 
Mountain, with his brave rifle militia. The expedition, for the ex- 
e^^cution of which Tarleton was prepared, was relinquished ; and the 
British general, drawing in his van corps, fell back on the ensuing 
day towards Richmond. 

Notwithstanding the junction of Wayne, and the reinforcement 
under Campbell, the British general continued to possess a decided 
superiority of force, not only in quality but in number. Steuben 
was still at a distance tVom La Fayette, and the destruction of the 
last would not fail in being followed by that of the farst. 

What reasons operated on lord Cornwallis to induce him now to 
retire, when so many considerations urged his advHuce, remain un- 
ascertained. Certainly he must have acted in obedience to orders 
which have never yet been fully promulgated. 

He was the same general who had attacked Gates at the head of 
a very superior army, and wbo afterwards fought Greene, though 
nearly double his number. In both instances he risked hi< ow i de- 
struction, and, although victorious in the issue, was upon both oc- 
easions on the threshold of ruin. 
38 



298 Memoirs of the War in the 

Notv when victory was certain, when serious injury to himself 
was impracticable, and when his vast power in horse assured to 
him the coniijlete improvement of success, he resigns his spirit of 
ent'^rpn e, and permits his inferior foe to enjoy undisturbed repose. 
This change in conduct must be ascribed to the interference of 
his superior^ and Cornwaliis's letter of the 2Glh of May,* to the 
Hrit.i!-h comniaiuler in chief, satisfactorily evinces that his present 
operations were intended to be extremely limited, being subordinate 
to some grand design conceived by sir Henry Clinton to be exe- 
csited within tlie ye^r-t The retreat of the British general was 
soon knovvri in the Am-.-rican camp, and La Fayette put his army in 
motion. Pleasii-^ as was this unexpected turn in the enemy's 
course, the Atn-rican general (ollowed him with great circuniJipec- 
tion, i.oldinj; his main bod3 between twenty and thirty miles in the 
rear o! the foe, and feeling his Wriy in front and flank with bis ca- 
valry and riflemen. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton, with the legion, 
strengthened b\ the seventy-sixih r<^giment, was charged with the 
reur and one tltfik of the retiring army, while its other flank was 
committed to Simcoe at the head of the Queen's rangers. 

Cornvv.dlis, secure from insult or sur[>ri.*e, had the force and 
views of La Fayette encouraged such attempts, proceeded by slow 
and convenient marches, without making a single eff"ort to strike his 
enemy. On the 15th of June the British general reached West- 
ham, and on the subsequent day entered Richmond, where he 
halted. 

La F-iyette, preserving his usual distance, continued to follow in 
the Britir^h rear; and, during the enemy's halt in Richmond, took a 
strong position on Allen's creek, in the county of Goochland, twenty- 
two miles from Cornwailis, detaching his light troops close to the 

* Copy of a leller from earl CorntraUis lo sir Henri/ Clinlon. 

ByrtPs planlation, James River, 2Qth May, 1781. 
The arrival of th» leinforcemeiit bus made me easy about Portsmouth for the 
present I have sent general Leslie thither Wuh the seventeenrh regiment and 
the two battalions o*" Anspach, keeping the forty-third vith the army. I shall 
now proceett to dislodge La Fayette from Riciunond ; and, with my light troops, 
to destroy any magazines or stores in the neighhourhood, which may have been 
collected f'itiier for hi*, use or general tiieene's army. From thence I propose to 
move to the neck of Williamsburgh, which is represented as healthy, and where 
some subsistence may be procured; and keep myself unengaged from opera- 
tions which miglit interfere with your plan for the campaign, until I have the 



said to be coming this way ; but I have no certain accounts of it. 

t Sir Henry Clinton, apprel)ending a combined attack by the American and 
French forces on his own position at New York, had required of lord Corn- 
wailis a reinforcement of 3(100 men ; sindhad advised iiini to occupy and fortify a 
post oa the Chesapeake. See his letter toIoidG. Germain, I2th May, 1781. — Ed. 



Southern Department of the United States, 29^ 

enemy's advnnced posts— the one at Westham, commamled by Sim- 
coe, and the other at the Meadow Bridge, under the orders ofheu- 
tenant colonel farleton. On the ISlh, Tiirleton believing, from 
the intellisience he had acqiiired, the position of the corps under 
brigather Muhlenbergh — posted t^ome liliie distance in front and to 
the left of the maitj i)ody — vulnerable, made asudden movement from 
the Meadow Bridge to beat up his quarters. But, altoough his ad- 
vance was secret, the brigailier gained timely information of his ap- 
proach ; and, f dling hack upon La Fayette, met a detachment under 
general Wayne soot to iiis support. As soon as Tarleton discove'-ed 
the movement of Muhlenbergh, he returned to his post. While 
encased iu this operation. lieutenant colonel Mercer with his troop 
of horse passed in the enemy's rear, and reconnoitred, by order of 
his (reneral. the position of lord Cornwallis, encamped on the heights 
of Richmond On his return Mercer fell m with one of Tarleton's 
pafroles of horse, which vvas taken, and conveyed to the American 
camp. 

This was the only advantage of the sort as yet obtained by our 
army during these active operations. 

The British gener.d halted but a few days in Richmond, and re- 
sumed his m irch for Portsmouth, in pursuance of sir Henrv Clin- 
ton's instructions, as are plainly to be inlerred from the lefter of 
lord Cornwallis of the 26th of May. Taking the direct route to 
Williamsburgh, and consulting as heretofore, in his progress the 
ease of his troops, he encamped in that city on the 25th 

La Fayette, while in his camp above Richmond, was joined by the 
baron uith his corps of levies, about six hundred. This accession 
of force increased his army to between four and five thousand, of 
whicii two thousand one hundred were regulars, and fifteen hundred 
of these were veteran troops. The residue were composed of 
different corps of militia, better fitted for service than usual, as 
most of the higher grades were tilled by continental officers. Still 
we were inferior in numbers to the enemy by a third, and very d'^fi- 
cient in cavalry, in which the British general continued to excel. 
Informed of lord Cornwallis'? continued retreat, La Fayette followed, 
and passing Richmond reached on the third evening New Kent 
Court-house, from which place the British general had moved in 
the morning of the previous day. 

Hence the American headquarters were transferred to Tyre's 
plantation, twenty miles from Williamsburgh. 

During this march no attempt was made by either general to dis- 
turb the o'her ; a game of all others the most to be desired by La 
Fayette, as the campaign vvas wasting without improvement by his 
superior foe. While in his camp before Williamsburgh, the British 
general learnt that we had some boats and stores on the Chicka- 
hominy river. Hither he detached lieutenant colonel Siracoe with 
his corps and the yagers to destroy them. This service was 
promptly performed : but the American general, having discovered 
from his exploring parties the march of Simcoe, detached on the 
26th lieutenant colonel Butler, of the Pennsylvania line, the second 



300 Memoirs of the War in the 

and rival of Morgan at Saratoga.* The rifle corps under the ma- 
jors Call and Willis, and the cavalry, which did not in the whole 
ex<-,eed one hundred and twenty effectives, composed Butler's van. 
IMrijar M'Pherson. of Pennsylvania, led this corps; and having 
mounted some infantry behind the remnant of Armaud's dragoons, 
overtook Simcoe on his return near Spencer's plantation, six or 
seven miles above Williamshurgh The suddenness of M'Pherson's 
attack threw the yagers into confusion : but the Queen's rangers 
quickly deployed, and advanced to their support. 

Call and Willis had now got up to M-Pherson with their riflemen, 
and the conflict became fierce. Lieuteoant LoUar, at the head of a 
sq adron of Siotcoe's hussar*, fell on Armand's remnant and drove 
it out of line, makin.!; lieutenant Bre-^o and some privates prisoners. 
Following his blow, Lollar turned upon our riflemen, then pressing 
upon ihe Queen's rangers, and at the same moment captain Ogilvie, of 
the legion cavalry, — who had been sent that morning from camp with 
one troop for the collection of forage, — accidently appeared on our 
leftflink. The rifle corps Sell back in confusion upon Butlei', drawn 
up in the rear with his continent ds. Satisfied with the repulse of 
the assailing troops, lieutenant colonel Simcoe began to retire ; nor 
was he further pressed by Butler, as Cornwallis had moved with 
the main body on hearing the first fire, to shield Simcoe. La Fay- 
ette claimed the advantage in this rencontre, and states his enemy's 
loss to be sixty killed and one hundred wounded ; whereas lord 
Cornwallis acknowledges the loss of only three officers and thirty 
privates, killed and wounded Among the former was lieutenant 
Jones, a much admired young officer. 

Our loss in killed and wounded does not appear in the report of 
La Fayette ; but three officers and twenty-eight privates were 
taken. 

Here was a second opportunity presented of attacking our army, 
and like the first it was not seized. Nothing was more feasible, as 
Cornwallis had moved his whole force, than for him to have turned 
Simcoe's hors<' and foot upon Butler. Follov.'ing close in the rear, 
La Fayette must have sacrificed this corps, or risked battle. The 
latter would have taken place, as Wayne had moved to support 
Butler, and would have reached our advance about the time of the 
suggested movement upon our light corps t 

The British general returned to Williamshurgh, preparing for 
his passage ofJanies river ; and La Fayelte resumed his position at 
Tyre's plantation, wailing the motions of Cornwallis. 

Sir ifenry Clinion, from the moment he perused VVashington's 
letters, imparling to Congress the re-^ult of his conference vviih count 
RochamhHau, (vvhich had been intercepted by one of the British 
general's parties.) seems to have been persuaded that a formidable 

* This excellent officer passed through the war with distinction. He was em- 
ployed by general Washington as next in comnianH to St. Clair, in wliose fatal 
defeat he fell.— Ed. 

+ No doubt the intention of reinforcing Sir Henry Clinton produced this 
s"uspence and inactivity. — Ed. 



Southern Department of the United States. 301 

combined attack upon New York by the jillies was not only con- 
temjilaled. but certain ; and a> e.irly as the 11 ih of June, he cotn- 
muiiicated his conviction of such an intention to earl Coinwallis- 
and required him to occupy some salubriou* situation about Wil-' 
liansbiiiiih or York Town, ralculated for the defensive, and con- 
venient lo de uhory maritime exp»'ditions up the rivers of Virginia 
for the destruction of our remaining stores and resources. As soon 
as this wus accomplished, earl Cornwallis whs ordered to return to 
sir Henry the Q,oeen's rangers, the remnant of the sevent^^enth dra- 
goons, two batt.dions of light infantry, two of Anspach, the forty-third 
and seventy sixth or eightieth regimf nts. 

It appears thai subsequent to the issue of this order, the British 
commander in chief,* availing himself of water conveyance, contem- 
plated striking at Philadelphia with liie corps to he detached by 
Cornwallis, as it proceeded to New York, for the purpose of de- 
stroying the continental supplies collected in that city. 

No doubt earl Cornwallis, feeling himself bound to give effect to 
his general's views, did not risk any operations which miyht pro- 
duce delay in his movement to Portsmouth, which seems to have 
been the place preferred by himsejf for the embarkation of ihe 
troops demanded ; whereas sir Henry Clinton's instructions [>oin'ed 
out Williamsburgh or York as the place of arms in hi^ judgment 
best calculated to answer the intended purposes. Certaiiily lord 
Cornwallis might and ouijht to have adopted the plan proposed by 
Clinton ; as it was very easy to h ive withdrawn the garrison from 
Portsmouth, a post held contrary to his lordship's advice ; to have 
brought it up to him either on .James or York river, and in the 
same transports to have forwarded the required corps to New York. 
Nor would this operation have consumed the time which his passage 
of James river and march to Portsmouth required. He might too 
have combined with this system the destruction of La Fayette, 
hitherto omitted, though required by the most powerful conside- 
rations. 

Believing the course originally adopted as that most likely to 
effect with celerity the object of the commander in chief, Cornwal- 
lis, after some deliberation as to its change, persevered. 

Halting eight or nine days in Williamsburgh, his lordship de- 
camped on the 4th of July, having, after examining the river at 
Biirwell's ferry and James City island, decided to pass it at the 
latter place. On the *iime evening he reached the island, and the 
British advance, consisting of the Queen's rangers under lieutenant 
colonel Simcoe, passed the river On the 5th, the wheel carriages 
of every sort were transported across ; as were, on the subsequent 
dav, the baggage and bat horses Cornwallis meant to have passed 
with the army on the 7th. 

La Fayette did not doubt the intention of his adversary, and was 
much inclined to fall upon his rear when a major part of the army 
should have passed or was passing the river. To enable him lo 

* See his letter, page 308. 



302 Memoirs of the War in the 

manage this delicate inanreuvre with accuracy and precision, every 
eflbrl vvH? essayed by La Fayette's exploring parties to understand 
distinctly the steps taken by liis lordship. Lieutenant colonel Aier- 
cer being, amonif others, employed with his dragoons in this ser- 
vice, made, during (he night f»t the 3d, a circuitous march, and 
gained by the dawn of day the right flunk of the ene/iy. Mercer 
discovered that the British general had just moved, and very quickly 
advised his commander of the event. 

La Fayette put his army in motion on the same afternoon, and 
discontinuing his former caution, sat dovvn on the evfuioo; ol the 5th 
within eight miles of the foe. A dangerous adventure, but in its 
issue sate, so turned was Cornwailis tVom his former habit. 

Ou the morning of the bth the American general prepared to ad- 
vance, believing that the liourwa* at hand for his meditated blow, 
as he bad been accurately informed of the passage of troops on the 
4th, and the continued crossing and recrossmg of the boats ever 
since. 

Mercer, with a party of his troop, was in advance for the purpose 
of procuring mteliigence ; and coming suddenly upon the mansion 
of Greeospring,* saw a negro, by whom he was told tn it lieut«;nant 
colonel Tarleton quartered there, and was in the spring house in 
(he yard ; and that lord Cornwailis was at the church, not more 
than one mile in front. Satisfied from what he had learnt of the 
negro, as well of the danger which awaited his party, as of the 
proximity of the British army, Mercer turned his horse to retire ; 
when he found himself nearly closed up by a party of the enemy's 
dragoons pressing forward to intercept him. By changing his course, 
however, he avoided his pursuers, and in a few minutes rejoined 
his troop, concealed in a distant wood ; — whence he repaired to- 
ward the army, to communicate the intelligence to the general. 

About eleven o'clock he met him advancing at the head of his 
troops, prepared for batile, and sanguine in the expectation that 
he should get up in time to fall upon the remains of the enemy on 
this side of tLe river. 

The intelligence derived from Mercer produced a p-iuse, and ex- 
cited doubts as to the conduct to be pursued. At length La Fayette 
determined to proceed as far as Greensprin'^, the place which Mer- 
cer had visited in the morning, and where he acquired the informa- 
tion just imparted. 

On approaching the hnnce he learned that the enemy had moved 
towards the island ; and two intelligent young dragoons now rejoined, 
who had been sent to the river with gla.sses, to attend to the passage 
of the enemy across it.j Their report concurred in supporting the 
opinion heretofore entertained ; and which, though suspended by- 
Mercer's intelligence, still existed. In tact, it comported with the 

*The seat of sir William BpikelRy, formerly governor of Virginia ; and after- 
wants of Philip Ludvvell, one of the king's council, from wliom it descended to 
the late William Lee, siieriffof London, under the famous Wilkes. 

tBushiod Washington, now judge, and I^udwell Lee, late speaker of th.c 
senate of Virginia. 



Southern Department of the United States. 203 

inclination of officers and soldiers; and brigadier Wayne, disquieted as 
he always WHS hy losing a chance of buttle, declared his convictjon 
that the inial)i:ieni;e received irum lieutenant colonel Mercer ap- 
plied only <) a covering parly, which would not fail to escape if our 
advance • as longer delayed. 

The American commander, indulging his desire to finish his toil- 
some and cautious operations by a happy blow, came into the opin- 
ion of Wayne, and began to make his iiual arrangements for close 
pursuit. 

The British general, sage and experienced, had presumed that 
the opportunity whirh his crossing James river could not fail to 
pn-seut, would be seized by his enemy for the indulgence of that 
ardour natural to the season of youth, and which the enterprising 
La Fayette never ceased to feel, although he had for a time con- 
trolled it. He hearil with pleasure that his adversary was drawing 
near, and took his measures to encourage the adventurous spirit 
which seemed now to sway liim, ivilh the resolution of turning it 
to his advantage. Holding his troops compact, covering as little 
ground as possible in his march and in his catnn ; he gave orders 
for his piquets to tall back vvith the appearance of alarm and confu- 
sion, as soon as they should be seriously struck. 

The ground in front of Greenspring, where by this time the 
whole American army had arrived, is low, wet and sunken, re- 
claimed by ditches which intersect it in various directions. This 
sunken ground extends for a considerable, distance above and below 
the house, and is neai ly a quarter of a mile wide. As soon as you 
pass through it you enter the road from VViliiamsburg, on which the 
enemy marched, and which runs for a considerable distance parallel 
with the low ground. From the liouse to the road, across the low 
ground, a causeway * had been formed by the proprietor of Green- 
spring, and presented the only practicaSde route for troops. La 
Fayette must pa?s along this causeway on his advance to the island; 
and every step he proceeded after leaving it, put him more and 
more in the power of his prepared enemy. 

The American general by design piobiibly, did not move from 
Greenspring until the hour of three in the afternoon ; inasmuch as 
the remainmg part of the evening gave sullicient day-light for the 
execution of his plan, if only a strong covering parly of the eoetay. 
should be found on this side of the rivrr ; and the quicker darkness 
approached the more acceptable, should he slumbie upon Cornwal- 
lis and his army. 

The rifle corps under Call and Willis, preceded by a patrol of 
dragoons, forn.ed our front, and alter crossing the low ground, 
halted in a wood contiguous to the road The cavalry of Armand 
and of Mercer, led by nrnjor M'f'herson, followed the rille corps, 
supported by the continental infantry under Wayne. 

* La Fayette moved from Greenspring at three ; and so much time was con- 
sumed in passing this defile, thai bi& main body din not get up with the enemy, 
enramped not more than one mile and a half distjir.t, until near sunset; which 
effect shows, in a military point of view, the disadvantages eventually accruing 
from the interposition of this defile. 



304 Memoirs of the War in the 

Steuben, with the militia, formed the reserve, and continued on 
the ground at Greenspring, severed from the acting corps by the 
low ground. This disposition manife)-ts that La Fayette calculated 
only on meeting with a covering party easy of conquest ; as other- 
wise he would never have interposed the difficult defile just men- 
tioned between the two divisions of his force. 

As soon as the column reached the road, the rifle corps were 
thrown upon our flanks, and the horse continued to advance on the 
road. 

We had not moved a mile before our van patrol of horse receiv- 
ed a desultory fire from the enemy's yagers, and fell back upon 
M'Pherson. This officer communicated the occurrence to the 
commander, who answered by ordering lieutenant colonel Mercer 
and himself to leave the cavalry and to take charge of the rifle 
corps. Mercer led that on the right, and M'Pherson that on the 
left. We very soon approached the enemy's piquets, which were 
briskly attacked, and losing some of their men killed, wounded and 
taken, fell back in confusion upon the legmn horse, drawn up in an 
open field three hundred yards behind the front piquets. Our 
cavalry now came up ; that of Armand joined M'Pherson, and the 
Virginia troop joined Mercer. 

Emboldened by their successful onset, Mercer and M'Pherson 
continued to advance, and took post in a ditch under cover of a rail 
fence. From hence was pltinly discerned aline of infantry posted 
on the flanks of the horse. Our rifle corps recommenced their 
fire, and were soon aftei wards joined by mnjor Galvan, with a bat- 
talion of the continental infantry, who w;is followed by major Willis, 
of Connecticut, with another battalion of infantry, and captain 
Savage with two field pieces. Galvan, Mercer and M'Pherson 
maintained the conflict with spirit agiinst the enemy, now advancing 
in body under lieutenant colonel Yorke, supported by three pieces 
of artillery. 

The conflict was keenly maintained for some minutes, when the 
rifle corps broke. Lieutenant colonel Mercer having his horse 
killed, remounted another, and drawing off his troop of dragoons, 
fell back upon Wayne, who was formed in close order in the adja- 
cent wood. Galvan and Willis, with their light infantry, retired 
soon after the rifle corps dispersed ; as did also captain Savage with 
our two pieces. Cornwallis pressed forward in two lines, his right 
wing under lieutenant colonel Yorke, pushing the light infantry, 
while his left under lieutenant colonel Diindas advanced upon 
Wayne ; who never indisposed to try the bayonet, gave orders to 
charge, which, though often repeated, was from the thickness of 
the wood and his own close order unexecuted, and the battle con- 
tinued warmly maintained by a close fiie. La Fayette early in the 
action began to apprehend that the expected covering party would 
turn out to be the British army, and took his measures to ascertain 
the fact. He became soon convinced from his own examination 
that he had been entirely mistaken, and immediately hastened to 
<\x9vii off his troops Wayne was now closely engaged, and his 



Southern Department of the United States. 306. 

fliioks nearly enveloped. He was ordered to fall back to our se- 
COTfi line of continenliils, arrayed a half a mile in his rear. This 
was instantly executed through the favour of a dark night, with the 
loss of our two fif'ld pieces ; and Wayne having joined the second 
line, our whole dt (achment continuing to retire, recrossed the ra- 
vine, ;ind proceeded with the reserve six miles in the rear of Green- 
spring ; where La Fayette, finding the enemy did not pursue, en- 
camped for the night. 

We lost of our continentals one hundred and eighteen, in killed, 
wounded and prisoners, ot which ten were officers. Our loss of 
rifle militia was never ascertained. The British sulJered much 
less, having lost only five olficers and seventy privates. 

The marquis's postponement of his marcb to the evening was 
in its effect most fortunate. One hour more of daylight must have 
produced the most disastrous conclusion. Lord Cornwallis in his 
official letter, considers one half hour only, to have been enough 
for his purpose. No pursuit was even attempted on the part of 
the conqueror, but he returned immediately after the action termi- 
nated to his camp. At the break of day lieutenant colonel Tarle- 
ton, with his cavalry and some mounted infantry, by the order of 
the general, followed our army ; and captain Champagne, with 
three companies of light infantry, moved to support him. 

After passing the defile in front of Greenspring, Tarleton fell in 
with one of our patrols of mounted riflemen, which he drove in 
upon La Fayette, killing some and wounding others. The marquis 
was still in the position he had taken the night before ; and had 
Cornwallis nioved at the same hour with his cavalry, he might 
have inflicted the heavy blow, from whose crush we had so happily 
escaped the evening before. But after some consultation, after 
the action, upon the course to be pursued, he concluded it expe- 
dient to pass the river and hasten to Portsmouth, for the purpose 
of embarking the troops called for by the commander in chief. 
During the 7th and 8th, the British army crossed to the southern 
shore ; and on the 9th lord Cornwallis detached lieutenant colonel 
Tarleton, with his cavalry and eighty mounted infantry, to New 
London in the county of Bedford, adjoining the Blue Ridge, and at 
least two hundred miles from any possible support. This perilous 
expedition was planned for the purpose of destroying some collec- 
tions of stores said to be in that district for the army of Greene, 
and for the interception of some of the light troops believed to be 
moving from the southern army to the assistance of La Fayette. 
Tarleton passed through Petersburg on the 9th, and proceeded 
with expedition to Prince Edward, where he expected to find our 
principal magazines. He was disappointed ; — all our stores at this 
place had been for some time forwarded to the South. 

Continuing his march, he soon reached Bedford county, where 
he halted for two days, but met with no stores of any consequence, 
nor could he learn of the advance of any of the light troops from 
the South, On the contrary he was informed, that general Greene 
was before Ninety-Six, pursuing with his whole force the object 
of his movement into South Carolina. 
.39 



506 Memoirs of the War in the 

Turning towards the seaboard, the British officer returned unhurt 
on tlip 15th day from his departure, and joined lord Coriiwallis at 
Suffolk ; where his lordship, having detichid the reinforcemeut 
required by the commander in chief to Portsmouth for ernhnrka- 
tion, waited for ;he rejmiction of the light corps. As soon as this 
took (ilHre,the Bnti>h general moved to Portsmouth, and encamped 
with hu lufdiitry in front of his works ; the cuvalry passed Eliza- 
beth nver. and were cantoned in the county of Princess Ann, where 
»vhol.:^some and abundaiit subsistence for man and horse was to be 
found on every plantation. 

La Fayette received, on the day after his repulse, a handsome 
squadron o»" dratcoons under capiain Moore from the town of Balti' 
more ; and retired with most of his army to the forks of York 
river, having dismissed all his militia. 

Thus was concluded the summer campaign of lord Cornwallis in 
Virgmia. For eight or nine weeks he had l^een f'ngaged in the 
most active movements, at the head of an army completely tilted 
for the arduous scenes of war, warmly attached to its general, con- 
scious aud pioud of its own ability, and ready to encounter every 
danger and difficulty to give success to his operations The inferi- 
ority of La Fayette in number, in quality, in cavalry, in arms and 
equipment, has been often recurred to and cannot be doubted. 

Yet strange when the primary object of the British general must 
have been the annihilation of our army in Virginia, he never struck 
it in whole or in part, although manceuvring in his face in an open 
country, and remote from support of every sort except occasional 
aids of militia. 

This omission on the part of lord Cornwallis is inexplicable. 
More than once he had a fair opportunity to force an action ; and 
that only was necessary, with his vast superiority, to produce the 
ruin ot his antagonist. 

The American general had great difficulties to surmount, as well 
as to guard against his formidable foe, pressing him on his retreat, 
Wayne directing his most etBcient aid,' was far to his right, and the 
baron Steuben, with the Virginia levies, was as far on his left. 
The public stores deposited in several magazines accessible to the 
enemy ; and the great body of the inhabitants of the lower conotry, 
flying from their homes with their wives, their children, and the 
Olost valuable of their personal property, to seek safety in the 
mountains. The state authorities, executive and legislative, like 
the flying inhabitants, driven from the seat of government ; chased 
from Charlottesville ; and at length interposing the Blue Ridge be- 
tween themselves and the enemy to secure a renting place a; Staun- 
ton. In this period of gloom, of disorder, and of peril, La Fayette 
was collected and undismayed. With zeal, with courage, and with 
sagacity, he discharged bis arduous duties ; and throughout his 
difficult retreat was never brought even to array but once in order 
of battle. 

Invigorating our coui-el.-. by his prtcepts ; disf.eliing our des- 
pondency by his example ; and encouraging bis troops to submit to 



Southern Department of the United States. 307 

their miany priviitions, by the cheerfulness with which he partiri- 
pated in their wants ; he imparled the energy of his own mind to 
the country, and infused his high toned spirit into his army. His 
efforts were crowned with success ; and even the erroneous deter- 
Oiination In risk the chte of his force for the purpose of capturing 
a supposed covering party of the hostile army, when occupied in 
passing James river, was repaired hy the celerity with which he dis- 
covered his mistake and with which he curtajled its consequences. 
To La Fayette, to his aide second, to general N'dson,to his cavalry, 
to his rifle corps, to his ofiicers, and to his soldiers, much praise is 
due ; nor was it withheld by their comrades in arms, by their enemy, 
or by the nation. 

Now, for the first time throughout the war, did ever doubt at- 
tach to tfie merits of the Biitish general. In the North and in the 
South, in the cabinet and in the field, he stood pre eminent ; the 
buivvark of GreU Britain, — the dread of Ara^^rica. 

When in command of mighty me^ns, and in the heart of that state 
whose prostration he uniformly viewed as the first pre requisite to 
the sutjiigation of the Sonth, that he should content himsPlf with 
burning tobacco, destroying a juirtion of our scattered stores, and 
chasing our governor from hill to hill, and our legislature from town 
to town, comported neitfier vvith his fame nor his duty. The de- 
struction of La Fayette ought to have been his sole object. 

To it everj other good appertained ; and this was certainly in his 
power during his retreat, and even when he covered himself behind 
MectHink creek to save the stores at Albemarle Old Court-house. 
But admit that this presumption is e*iravagant ; we cannot err whea 
we assert, that by following up the bhiw at James's Island, he must 
hav • renewed the cat'«troplie of Camden in the lawns of Green- 
spring. A secop'J army would have been annihilated ; and that too 
when on its fate hung the safety of Virginia, of the South, if not 
of the (Jnited Sta'es. 

Had Cornwalii* acted as he always had done uritil he took com- 
mand of the army at Petersburg, he would have moved after snatch- 
ing some refreshments and a few hours repose ; he would have fal- 
len upon the left flank of La Fayette ; he would have forced him 
upon the Chickahominy, which f)r many miles skirted his right, 
and compelled him !o surrender or to die in the last effort. For 
8ome cause not yet clearly known, a very different conduct was 
pursued ; as derogatory to the high fame of this distinguished soldier, 
as it was in iis consequences injurious to his country and destructive 
to himself and his araiy. 

A careful examination of the commander in chief and lord Corn- 
wallis's correspondence exhibits two facts ; first, that sir Henry 
Clinton was very much dispesed to pursue, with the army of Vir- 
ginia, operations at the head of the Chesapeake, in the neighbour- 
hood of Baltimore, or in the Delaware Neck; and, secondly, that 
earl Cornwallis did not accord vvith his chief in such application of 
the force under his orders, preferring the destruction of Virginia to 
any other object. This material difference |in view and judgment 



308 Memoirs of the War in the 

laid the foundation for that languor in exertion which marlcs every 
step of Cornwallia in Virginia, until his manly resolve to take care 
of Iiis army by crossing York river, when he found CUnton's pro- 
mise ef relief illusory. 

Knowi g it to be his duty to support, and not to direct, the seri- 
ous intention expressed by sir Henry Clinton of pressing solid oper- 
ations in the upper Chesapeake, whicli we may fairly infer (from 
his letter written six days after he reached Virginia) was known to 
his lordship before he left VVestover, induced hiui to adopt a con- 
tracted scale of conduct. le?t he mis^ht delay, if not mar his chief's 
design. He found himself now the mere puppet of the commander 
in chief, and not the carver and executor of bis own plans, limited 
by general principles necessary to secure unity in design and cor- 
respondency in execution. This ehange in official character pro- 
dui-ed the subsequent change so aj)parent in his conduct. In his 
letter above alluded to, of the 2Glh of May, dated " Byrd's planta- 
tion, north of James i iver," is the follo^ving paragraph: " I shall now 
proceed to dislodge La Fayette from Richmond, and witli my light 
troops ddltroy any magazines or stores in the neighbourhood, which 
may have been collected either for his use or for general Greene's 
army. From thence I propose to move to the neck of Williams- 
burg, which is represented as healthy, and where some subsist- 
ence may be procured, and keep myself unengaged from opera- 
tions vvhich migiit interpose witli your plan of tlie campaign, until 
I have the satisfiction of hearing from you." 

It is evident frorn thi.s letter that it was an answer (o instructions 
found among general Phillips's payers, delineating the plan of the 
campaign ; or to a letter vvhich met Cornwallis at Petersburg, ex- 
plaining the views of the commander in chief. 

To the teuor of this answer, Coriiwallis's conducf corresponded. 
He did dislodge La Fayette from Richmond ; he did destroy all the 
stores in that neighbourhood, and even some more remote ; and he 
did afterwards return to Williamsburg. 

It IS true that he employed some few days in pursuit of La Fay- 
ette ; but conQning him.self in point of time, he did not persevere 
in p.essin* that object, lest it mi<ilit consume more time than was 
com:»aii jle with the ullerior views of the commander in chief In 
sir Henry Cli.:ton's letter of the 11th of June,* when comparing 

* Extract of a letter from sir Henry Clinton to earl Cornwalhs, dated, 

J\'etn York, June 11, 1781. 

*' Resppctitig my opinions of stiitions in Jame.s anil York rivers, I shall beg 
leave only to -t.fer your lordship to my instructions to, and coirespondenre with, 
general 'hillips and Arnolii ; 'ogether wiih the substance of conversations with 
t i'^ foimer, which your lordship will h.ive found among general Phillips's papers, 
and to which I referred you iu my last despatch I shall, therefore, of course, 
approve of any alteration your lordship may think proper to make in these. 
Sta lions. 

"The detachments I have ma'le from this army into Chesapeake, since gen- 
eral Lfslie's expe Dtion in October last, inclusive, have amounted to seven 
thousand seven htiudrfd and twenty (our elfectives ; and at the time your lord- 
ship made the junction with the corps there, there were under iniijor geneial 



Southern Department of the United States. 309 

the force under Cornwallis and (hat under La Fayette, he says, 
" I should have hoped you would have quitt sufficient force to car- 
ry on any operation in Virginia, should that have been advisable at 
this late season." The concluding words plainly show that he con- 
sidered it too late to press operations in Virginia, as they would in- 
terfere with what he deemed more important. In this same letter, 
the British chief communicates the prospect of a combined attack 
upon New York, and demands a reinlbrcement from the army in 
Virginia. " By intercepted letters inclosed to your lordship in my 
last despatch, you will observe I am threatened «ith a siege in 
this post. My present eflective force is only ten thousand nine 
hundred and thirty one : with respect to that the enemy may col- 
lect for such an object, it is probable they may amount to at least 
twenty thousand, besides reinforcements t© the French (which, from 
pretty good authority, 1 have reason to expect,) and tlie numerous 

Phillips's orders, five thousand three hundred and four: a force, I should have 
hoped, would be sufficient ol itself to have cnrried on operations in any of the 
southern provinces oi America; where, as appears by the intercepted letters of 
Washington and La Fayette, they are in no situation to stand against even a 
division of that anny. 

" 1 have leiison to suppose the continentals, under La Fayette, cannot exceed 
one thousand; iuid 1 am told by lieutenant colonel Hit), of the ninth regiment, 
that about a fortnight ago he met at Fredericktown the Pennsylvania line, under 
Wayne, of about the same number ; who were so discontented, that their offi- 
cers were afraid to trust them with ammuniticn. This, however, may have 
since altered; and your lordship may possibly have opposed to you 1 rem fifteen 
hundred to two thousand continentals, and (as La Fayette observes^ a small 
body of ill aimed peasantry, full as spiritless as the militia ot the southern pro- 
vinces, and without any service. 

" Comparing, theiefoie, the force now under your lordship in the Chesapeake, 
and that of the enemy opposed to you, (and 1 think it clearly appe-jrs that they 
have for the present no intention of sending thither reinlorceineiits,) I should 
have hoped you would have quite sufficient to carry on any operation in Vir- 
ginia, should that have been advisable at tins advanced season. 

♦' By the intercepted letters inclosed to your lordship in my last despatch, you 
will observe that i am threatened with a siege in this post. My present effective 
force is only ten thousand nine hundred and thirty-one. With respect to that 
Ihe enemy may collect for such an object, it is probable they may amount to at 
least twenty thousand, besides remlorcemenls to the French, (which, from pret- 
ty good authority, 1 have reason to expect,) and the numerous militia of the 
five neighbouring provinces. Thus circumstanced, 1 am persuaded your lord- 
ship will be of opinion, that the sooner 1 concentrate my force the better. 
Thereioie, (^unlessyour lordsliip, after the receipt oi my letter of the 2yth of May, 
and tne 8th instant, should incline to agree wiih me in opinion, and judge it 
ri&ht to adopt my ideas respecting the move lo Baltimore or the Delaware neck, 
&c.) I beg leave to recommend ii to you, as soon as you nave finished the ac- 
tive operations you may now be engaged in, to take a defensive station, in any 
healthy situation you choose, (be it at Williamsburg or York Town) ; and I 
vvould wisli, in that case, that, after reserving to youi self such troops as you may 
judge necessary for ample, defensive, and desultory movements by water, for the 
purpose of annoying the communications, destroying magazines, &c., the fol- 
lowing corps .nay be sent to me in succession, as you can spare them : two bat- 
talions of light infantry; foity-thiid regiment j seventy-sixth or eightieth regi- 
ments; two battalions of Anspach ; Queen's rangers, cavalry and infaiitry ; 
remains of the detachment of the seventeenth light dragoons ; and such propor- 
4iou of artillery as can be spared, particularly men.'' 



310 Memoirs of the War in the 

militia of the five neighbouring provinces. Thus circumstanced, I 
am persuaded your lordship will be of opinion that the sooner I 
concentrate my force the better. 

•' Therefore (unless your lordship, after the receipt of my lettei* 
of the iJ9th of May and 8th of June, should incline to agree with me 
in opinion, and judge it right to adopt my ideas respecting the move 
to Baltimore, or the Delaware neck, &c ) 1 beg leave to recom- 
mend it to you, as soon as you have Snishpd tht« active operations 
you may now be engaged in, to take a defensive station in any 
healthy situation you choose (be it at Williamsburg or \ ork Town) ; 
and I would wish, in that case, that after reserving to yourself such 
troops as you may judge necessary for amplp. defensive, and desul- 
tory movements by water, tor the purpose of annoying the enemy's 
communications, destroying magazines, &c., the following corps 
may be sent to me in succession as you can spare them." 

The letters above mentioned, of the 29ih Mriy and 8th June, 
were (as we infer from lord Cornwallis's despatches) never received, 
or probably the conhdence they breathe might have induced his 
lordship to venture to appropriate his time and measures as his 
own judgment should direct. In which case the army of La Fay- 
ette would have experienced a more determined and persevering 
pursuit. 

Conforming his whole conduct to the plan of his commander in 
chief, he followed his enemy only over the North Anna, a branch 
of the Pamunkey ; and as soon as he completed some secondary 
objects he fell back to Wilhamsburg, and trom thence interposed 
the James river between himself and La Fayette, for the j)urpose of 
has'ening the required detachment to (Minton ; the demand for 
which was repeated by a le'ter dated the 28ih of June. It results 
clearly from this cursory revievv of facts, that lord Cornwallis, trom 
the moment he assurued the command of the army in Virginia (20th 
of May), considered himself as the mere executor of plans devised 
by his prmcipal ; and that he conseqsiently never ventured to <^ngage 
in measures, whose exer.uiion niiaht m any degree interrupt the 
completion of sir Henry Clinton's designs. This control paralyzed 
all his efforts, and he no longer displayed that decision and lire 
which had before marked bis military career. 

After passing James river. Cornwallis seems to have indulged his 
natural bias, by detaching lieutenant colonel Tarleton to the county 
of Beli'ord. This daring enterprise emanated from his unceasing 
de.«ire to cramp the exertions of GrfPue, by destroying all the stores 
intended to supply the pressing wanis of our army in the South ; 
and from his delermination never to permit any of Greene's light 
troops to jt)in La Fayeite, some of whom he no'.v believed were 
approaching the Dan to reintbrce the army in Virginia. 

It is very surprising that La Fayette, who had just manifested his 
anxiety to strike tiis adversary, even at the risk of the loss of his 
army, should not have now indulged the samp propensity, vvhen the 
present oppof-tunity so forcibly invited ti<e tttempt ; which was not 
©nly practicable, but exempt from much hazard. 



Southern Department of the United States. 311 

The reinforcement of horse jtist received under captain Moore, 
must huve augmented his cavalry to two hundred : Tarleton had 
with him about the same number of dragoons. The bat and other 
horses with the army, and such as might be readily procured in the 
neighbourhood ot the camp, would have enabled La Fayette to 
mount four or tive hundred infantry, two upon a horse. Tarleton 
had with him but eighty mounted infantry. With this force a skil- 
ful officer (and the AmiM-'oan general had many) could not have been 
disappointed in intercepting the British detachment. 

But La Fayr'tte contented himself xvith sending; a body of infantry 
under brigadier Wayne across James river, whose corps was not 
fitted to the enterprise, and who therefore could not with his means 
effect the object, unless lieutenant colonel Tarleton had improvi- 
denlly thrown him'^elf into his lap. 

Sir Henry Clinton, discovering lord Cornwallis's aversion to the 
establishment of a post on the Chesapeake, and determined to fix 
one there, countermanded the move of the reinforcement hereto- 
fore required, and repeated his directions tor the selection and for- 
tifica'ion of a perminent post, convenient for di-sultory maritime 
expeditions up the Chesapeake and its numerous rivers, and capable 
of protecting line of battle ships. 

It appears that the British admiral on the American station had 
experienced the disadvantages which flowed from the navy's occu- 
pying the usual stations during the freezing months, and was conse- 
quently anxious of wintering his fleet further south He says, in 
his letter to lord Cornwallis, dated 12th July, oft' Sandy Hook, 
" That there is no place for great ships, during the freezing months, 
on this side of the Chesapeake, where the great ships will be in 
security, and at the same time capable of acting ; and in my opinion 
they had better go to the West Indies, than to be laid up in Halifax 
during the winter ;" and he goes on to recommend Hampton Roadi 
as the proper place 

Earl Cornwallis declining further opposition to the will of sir 
Henry Clinton, sent his engineer aud some captains of the navy to 
examine Old Point Comfort, which appears to have been the site 
preferred for the intended post, both by the general and Admiral. 

The report of these officers was unfavourable ;* and lord Corn- 

♦ Copy of the report of lieutenant Sutherland, engineer, dated Billy, ordnance 
transport, Hampton Roads, July 25, 1781. 

My Lord : 

Agreeably to your orders, I have examined the ground on Old Point Com- 
fort with as much accuiacy as 1 possibly could ; and for your lordship's better 
information, I have made a survey of the ground, upon which is laid down the 
width and sounding of the channel. I beg leave to offer what appears to me, 
respecting the situation of a work on that spot 

The ground where the ruins of fort George lie is the fittest for a work, but at 
the same time must be attended with many inconveniences 

The level of the ground there is aboi.i two feet higher than the high water 
mark ; wh rh, from its very ihort distance to the deep water, uust soon be de- 
stroyed by « OAval attack. 



^12 Memoirs of the War in the 

wallis, coinciding in the same opinion, selected York and Glouces- 
ter, not far above the mouth of York river, instead of Old Point 
Comfort. 

To this place he repaired with the first division of his army ; and 
disembai kii)g it early in A ugust. took possession of both posts. After 
occupying these, his lordship directed brigadier O'Hara, command- 
ing at Portsmouth, to destroy the works there, and to join him with 
the rear division of the army. This was done with all convenient 
despaich, and the whole British force concentrated in the position 
of York and Gloucester before the 23d. Cornwallis, as soon as he 
landed the first division of the army, engaged in tracing; the lines of 
the necessary works on both sides of the river ; and committing 
the direction of the post of Gloucester to lieutenant colonel Dundas, 
continued himself in that of York. 

While with ze d and assiduity he pressed forward the completion 
of his fortifications with his infantry, and at the same time employed 
his cavalry in collectmg cattle and forage, he held his army ready to 
move upon La Ffiyette, should he think proper to approach him. 

The American general, as soon as he was advised of the posses- 
sion of tlie post on York river by the enemy, broke up from his 
camp on Pamunkey, and recalled Wayne from the southern side of 
James river, whither he hid been detached to intercept Tarleton, 
and where he had been continued in conformity to the orders of the 
commander in chief; vvho, as soon as he decided to turn his force 
upon the enemy in Virginia, apprised La Fayette of his intention, 
and commanded him to take measures tor the interruption of lord 
Cornwallis's retrpat, should that general discover the intended blow, 
and attempt to elude it by gaining North Carolina. 

The Queen's rangers, under Simcoe, held the post of Gloucester ; 
while lieutenant colonel Tarleton, with his legion, occupied the 
front of that of York. These officers displayed their habitual activity 
in traversing and foraging the country on both sides of the river, 

The great width and depth of the channel give ships the advantage of passing 
the fort with very little risk. I apprehend one thousand five hundred yards is 
too great a distance for batteries to stop ships, which is the distance here. Ships 
that wish to pa.ss the fire of the fort, have no occasion to approach nearer. 

Nor do I imagine a fort built there could afford any great protection to an in- 
ferior and weak fleet, anchored near the fort, against a superior fleet of the ene- 
my ; which must have it in their power to make their own disposition, and place 
our fleet between them and the fort ; the channel affording no bay for the secu- 
rity of ships under cover of a fort. 

The time and expense to build a fort there must be very considerable, from 
the low situation of the ground, which must necessarily cause the spilto be mov- 
ed from a great distance to form the ramparts and parapets; and every other 
material must bo carried there, as the timber on the peninsula is unfit for any 
useful purpose. 

These are the remarks which have occurred to me on examining the ground 
and situation of a work on Old Point Comfort, for the protection of the harbour 
and fleet ; which I humbly submit to your loidship. 

I have the honour to be, Sic. 

ALEXANDER SUTHERLAND. 



Southern Department of the United States. SIS 

and in dispersing all the militia collected in their ueighbonrhood. 
They took exiensive sweeps in purj^u-t of their oUjects ; there be- 
ing no force nearer to Sim oe than a ilctachraent of volunteer mili- 
tia under lieutenant colonel John Tajlor, formerly of Hazen's re- 
giment, who hail established himself near Gloucester Court-house, 
for the protection of that quarter of the country ; and none nearer 
to Tarleton, than a small oody of militia at Chiswell's Ordinary, on 
the Fredericksburg road. Taylor baflled every attempt to strike 
his corps ; but the officer at ChisweH's uas not so fortunate. Tar- 
leton fell upon him very unexpectedly, and broke up his post, but 
with very little lo.«s. 

Brigadier Weedon being again called to take command of a por- 
tion of the militi •. repaired by order to Gloucester Court-house, 
early in September, with several small detachments, where he re- 
lieved lieuteuanl colonel Taylor. 

Aa there were among our militia many soldiers who had served 
out their terms of enlistment in the army, Weedon judiciously di- 
rected those individuals to be thrown into one corp**, and placed it 
under the commiind of lieutenant colonel Mercer ; who had, during 
the preceding period of tfie campaign, served with his troop of dra- 
goons in the army of La Fayette. This olBcer* selected proper 
persons for the suboidinate stations ; and with two hundred effec- 
tives, rank and tile, was detached in front of the militia. 

Weedon having arranged his corps, advanced to Dixon's mills 
about the middle of the monti», where he continued ; exerting every 
means in his power to confine the -nemy's forages to a small circle, 
the chief object in view on the Gloucester side of the river. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

1781 T' 
August *- ^^ period of tranquillity, and of rest, still continued in 

1st. the camp of Greene, undisturbed by the din of war. 

Worn down as were the iroops, nothing could be more comforta- 
ble than this interval of peare ; and its enjoyment was not less 
grateful than universal, with the single exception of him who most 
required and most deserved it. Greene's anxious mind and faithful 
heart rejected participation in the comfort himself had given, 

Virginia was overpowered by the foe ; North Carolina agitated 
by intestine feuds, promoted by the countenance and excitement of 
the British gariison still possessing Wilmington ; and a portion of 
the two southern states, with each metropolis, in the hands of the 
enemy, to be wrested from him only by battle. 

* Mercer having resigned his commission in the army, (as has been mention- 
ed,) and not being an officer in the militia, the court of the county of Stafford, 
in which he was born, recommended him (as is required by the constituti'.n of 
the state of Virginia) to the executive, who conferred on him the commissign of 
Tieutenant colonel. 

40 



314 Memoirs of the War in the 

With his small mean?, to sustain Virginia, to restore North Caro- 
lina, anil contine the Bnlish force in South Carolina and Georgia, 
to Chiirle*too nnd Savannah, called for unceasing efforts of mind 
and body. He gave both without reserve ; and tinaiiy deter- 
mined, first to hberate North Carolina, by carrying the garrison 
uf Wilmington ; then to pass into the enemy's country south ot 
the Congaree, and compel him to give it up ; afterwards to has- 
ten to Vii-crioia with the elite of his force, uniting to it the army of 
La Fayette, and once more to face lord Cornwallis. In pur- 
Aufust, gijj^fjpp qP these arrangements, he gave orders on the 2d to 
lieut'inant colonel Lee, to liold himself in readiness, with his legion, 
Kirkwood's Deluwares, and Handy's Marylanders. To prevent 
suspicion of his intention. Washingioii, with his cavalry, was direct- 
ed to pass the Wateree ; Marion, with his militia, was detached to 
the country on the Cambahee, which river makes the southern 
boundary of the Charleston district ; and other deinonstrations were 
made, indicating the design of entering into the teriitory occupied 
by the British The geneial aimed his blow against Wilmington, 
tipon the persuasion ihat the enterprise could not fail, if conce .led 
to the moment of execution ; and this he deem^'d practicable from 
its distant situation, in itself sufficient to lull the vigilance of the gar- 
rison ; from the sultry season, forbidding military effort ; from the 
attachment of the country through which the course selected for 
the march pussed ; and from the facility with which that attachment 
miji;bt be applied to subserve the object. Minute intelligence re- 
specting the enemy and his defences, as well as boats for the passage 
of the Cape Fear river, remained to be procured before the expe- 
dition could commence Lee despatched captain Rudolph, with a 
small party from the legion infantry, to acquir-^ the one and to col- 
lect the other. 

This officer quitting camp in the night, soon reached the pine 
barrens ; and continuing his course through the vvoods to the Pcdee, 
passed that river and approached with celerity the country south 
of the Cape Fear. Concealing himself in the friendly family to 
which he was introduced, he engaged, with his usual diligence and 
caution, in the execution of his mission. So favourable was his re- 
port, as to confirm the sanguine expectations before entertained of 
complete success. Boats, though chiefly canoes, were procurable 
in sufficient number to pa-^s the infmtry. and the horse could swim. 
Major Craig still commanded the Biitish garrison ; an officer well 
qualified for the trust, being circumspect as well as brave ; but his 
garrison consisted only of three hundred men. many of them in the 
hospital, and the whole inadequate to man his extensive works. 
With good reason, therefore, was it concluded, that a concealed and 
suddi^n approach was alone necessary to ;iccomplish the object. 
The day was fixed for the march of" Lee, and his final orders were 
made out. His movement was disguised by the ostensible prt-text 
of hastening to secure a convoy, given out to be on its way from Vir- 
ginia, which might be taken or destroyed by the loyalists of North 
Carolina, when pa'-sing through their neighbourhood : in concur- 
rence with which pretence, Lee was ordered to proceed in the di- 



Southern Department of the United States. 315 

rection of CHinden nn^l he re;)ched the course carrying him throntrh 
the pine barren into the tract of country inhabited by well affected 
citizens. At this period infortnation was ri^cfivcd from general 
Washington, 'ndicating the probabihiy that the French West India 
fleet would visit our coast during the autumn, and intimating the pro- 
priety of being prepared in every quarter for instant co-oper ilion ; 
as its [)lace of arrival was uncertain, and its continuauce with us 
would be necessarily short. In consequence of this infornracton, 
general Greene changed his pfm. believing it most eligible to devote 
his means towards the accomplishment of the immediate liberation 
of Sonlh Carolina and Georgia; persuaded that as soon as the Bri- 
tish general slionld be apprised of the probability of a visit trom the 
French fleet, the garrison would be withdrawn fr,on) Wilmington, 
and thus the state of North Carolina would be relieved, without risk 
of repulse, or loss of life. This change in measures, too, was ex- 
tremely agreeable to governor Rutledge. just returned from the 
North to resume the duties of his station, delighted with the pros- 
pect of seeing his state completely freed by the expected naval as- 
sistance, tnd (tesirous that the force of Greene should be held for 
that end prima: ily. 

The detachment under Lee. prej)ared for service, was discharged ; 
and captain Rudolph directed to return, holding nevertheless secret 
his visit to Cap-- Fear. 

General Greene, though induced to depart from the minor object 
in his plan of oj>erations, adher<d to the general system ; believing 
it the wiser policy to depend as little as possible on the aid of 
friends. 

Repeating his orders to the marquis La Fayette, urging his un- 
varying adherence to the most cautious conduct, and communicating 
his intention of hastening to hi- support as soon as the st»ite of af- 
fairs in South Car(dina would permit — he now turned bis entire at- 
tention to the British army, still encamped on the south of the Con- 
garee, between MoUe's and the Santee 

The season yet continued extremely hot : but oi;r sounded were 
recovered, our sick restored to health, and the month of August 
wasting away. Orders were issued preparatory to movement, and 
on the 21 si the American general decamped from the benign hills 
of S;mtee,* for the avowed purpose of seeking his enemy. Lieu- 
tenant colonel Cruger joined at Orangeburgh. soon after Greene, 
(finding Ravvdon unassailable with hope ot success) had retired from 
its vicinity. Lord llawdon having accomplished the evacuation of 
Ninely-Six, removed the loyalists of that quarter within the British 
lines; and'concentrating his force at Orangeburgh, upon gf-neral 
Greene's retirement to his summer quarters, relinquished ihe com- 
mand of the army to lieutenant colonel Stewart, and returned to 
Charleston, with the view of embarking for England— long infended, 
but heretofore delayed by the critical posture of affairs, 

* The sohliers of Grpcue's army may Inily call these hills benignant. Twice 
our eeneral there tesoiteH, wiib his sicU, his vvouiuied ao<l worn -lown troops; 
and twice we were restored to health and strength, by its elevated dry situa- 
tion, its pure air, its fine water, and the friendly hospitality of its inhabitants. 



318 Memoirs of the War in the 

Stewart did not establish a post, ;is was expected, at Orangeburgh ; 
but moving his who'e force towards the Santee, sat doivn near the 
conflueni e olits two branches, about fifteen miles from his adver- 
sary, on the opposite side of that river. 

Previous to the breaking up from the High Hills of Santee, an oc- 
currence had taken place in C' arleston which defply affecteii the 
feelings of the American general and army. The affiir would ])ro- 
bably have led to a war of extermination, had not the fast approach 
of peace arrested the progress of a system, deliberately adopted by 
Greene, and ardently maintained by every individual of his army. 

Isaac Hayne,* a highly respectable citizen of South Carolma, 
had taken part with bis country from the commencement of the war, 
and served as a private in the militia during the si^ge of Charleston. 
After the surrender of that place, Hayne returned to his seat west 
of the Edis'.o, under the protection of the fourth article of capitula- 
tion. " The militia now in the garrison," says the answer to that 
arucle, "shall be permitted to return to their respective homes as 
prisoner? on parole ; which pamle, as long as they observe it, shall 
secure them from being molested in their property " 

We have before mentioned the extraorduiary proclamation of sir 
Henry Clinton, which ordered all our militia prisoners on parole, 
not taken by capitulation, or in confinement, at the surrend<'r of 
Lincoln, to become British sulijects, or return instantly to the com- 
mandant of Chailfston. Although the prisoners taken at the sur- 
render of that city were excepted in the proclamation, the popularity 
and patriotism of Hayne notwithstanding marked him as the first 
victim of its tyranny. 

Colonel Ballingall, of the royal militia in the district of Flaytie's 
residence, waited on him, from personal respect, and communicated 
the orders he had received. Hayne asserted his inviolability under 
the capitulation of Charleston; represented that the small-pox was 
then railing in his fiimily ; that all hia children were ill with the dis- 
ease ; that one of them had already died, and his wife was on the 
verge of dissolution. Finding the remonstrance unav^iling, he de- 
chired to Balliogall that no humnn force should remove him from 
the side of his dying wife. A discussioT followed, which terminated 
in a written stipulation, by which Hayne engaged to " demean hitn- 
SPi! as a British subject, so long as that country should be covered 
by the British army." 

In a civil war no citizen should expect or desire neutrality. Who- 

* So extremely beloved was this citizen by his neighbours that, when a com- 
pany of voliinteeis wrts levied near his residence in the beginning of the war, 
Hayne was called unanuuously to tlie coniinaiid of it. 

He ibeyed the call, and fulfilled the duties of his station honourably to him- 
self, and beaeficiiilly to his s.»Miers. 

The regiment to which the company was attached being destitute of field offi- 
cers, Hayne was named as culont]. He did not succeed, owing to some intrigues, 
believed to be practiced in favour o/ his compptitor, which so disgusted captain 
Hayne that he resigned his con mission and returned to th- ranks, where by his 
exemplary zeal and obedience he vpiy mu -h advanced the discii)line of the regi- 
ment, and hi^'hly contributed to its subsequent utility. 



Southern Department of the United States. 317 

ever attpmpts to place himself in that conditin, misunderstands hu- 
man nature, and becomes entangled in toils always dangerous — often 
fatal. By endeavouring to acquire, with the most virtuous motive, 
a temporary neutrality, Hayne was unwisely led into a compact 
which termiiia'ed in his ruin 

Pursuing his first object, the care of his sick wife and children, 
Hayne rop^ired to Charleston, presented himself to brigadier Pat- 
terson with the written agreement of Ballingall, and solicited per- 
mission to return home. This indulgence, lie presumed, could not 
be denied, being consistent with his late compact and his view in 
executing it. The request, however, was peremptorily refused ; 
and Hayne was told, thai he " must either become a British suhject, 
or submit to close c<n>iinement." The latter alternative wa«< most 
agrefable to his inclination ; but that tender devotion to his family, 
which had induced him to repair to Charleston, urged his accep- 
tance of the former. To his friend Dr Kumsay, who was then a 
prisoner with ihe enemy, he communicated the conflicting emotions 
of his mind.* Tranquillized by the interview, he returned to the 
commandant, and completed hi- error by a formal acknowledgment 
of idl^giance to the British king — openly excepting, however, to 
the clause which required his support of government with arms. 
Patterson the commandant, and Simpson the intendant of p.)lice, as- 
sured him, that such servit:e would never be required ; and added, 
" when the regular forces cannot defend the country without the aid 
of its inhabitants, it will be high time for the royal army to quit it." 
Thu* this amiable citizen proceeded from delusion to delusion, until 
he placed himself in a fallacious security, ivhich subsequent inci- 
dents turned to his destruction. 

Hayne hastened to his family, happy in the expectation of preserv- 
ing it through the prevailing pestilence. Biit in this hope he vnas 
sorely disappointed ; for his wife and a second child soon fell victims 
to the fatal malady. These afflictions did not limit his misfortunes : 
inasmuch as he was interdicted from enjoying even the political 
quietude he had attempteil to secure. He was occasionally required 
to bear arms in the regal service ; and, uniformly refusing to obey, 
on the ground of his exception at the time of subscribing the decla- 
ration of allegiance, he was threatened with close confinement. 

* " If the British would grant me the indulgence, which we in the day of our 
power gave to their adherents, of removing my family and propcity, I would seek 
an asylum in the remotest corner of the United States, rather than submit to their 
government; but as they allow no other alternative than submission or confine- 
ment in the capital, at a distance from my wife and family, at a time when they 
are in the most pressing need of my presence and support, I must for the present 
yield to the demands of the conquerors. I request you to bear in mind, that, 
previous to my taking this step, I declare that it is contrary to my inclination, 
and forced on me by hard necessity. I never will bear arms against my country. 
My new masters can require no service of me but what is enjoined by the old 
niilitia law of the province, which substitutes a fine in lieu of personal service. 
That I will pay as the price of my protection If my conduct should be censured 
by my countrymen, I beg that you would remember this conversation, and bear 
witness for me, that 1 do not mean to desert the cause of America." 



318 Memoirs of the War in the 

In this situation Mr. Hayne was found when Greene had forced 
the en*rmy from the upper country, and restored to thp Union the 
whole of Carolina east of the Santee, and north of the Congaree. 
A detachment of Marion's militia under colonel Harden, passing to 
the west of the Edisto for the |»roteotioii of their own homes, reach- 
ed the neighbourhood of Hayne. Well knowing his worth and in- 
fluence, they were extremely anxious to procure his aid. Paul 
Hamilton,* one of this pariy. and an intimate friend of Hayne, call- 
ed on him to solicit co-operation. Hayne frankly stated llie ciiange 
which had taken place in ins political condition; and, believing him- 
self hound by the declaration of allegiance, rel^used to concur with 
his friends in supporting a cause the surcess of winch was the ardent 
wish of his heart. Hamilton then asked the accommodation of a few 
horses, in which resource Hayne was known to abound. Hayne 
refused the rt quest ; and informed his friend, that the moment he 
heard of Harden's approach he ordered all his horses to be remov- 
ed, lest assistance might be obtained in violation oi his plighted laith. 
Yet he as'^ured Hamilton, that whenever he should find ihe ro>al 
authority unable to afford its promised protertion, he should consi- 
der himself absolved from the extorted allegiance, and would with 
joy enrol himself with the defenders of his country. 

Thus did Hayne scrupulously adhere to a contract, which was 
never obligatory — having been coerced by the dui ess of power, 
and in palpable violation of the capitulation of Charleston. 

Soon after this occurrence, the Rrili«h were driven l-elow the 
Edisto ; and nearly the whole country between that river and the 
Stono inlet fell under the protection of the American arms. Every 
person in the recovered country believed himself released from 
those obligations, which the late condition of affairs had imposed : 
for it was justly thought that the allegiance due to a conqueror 
ceased with his expulsion from the subdued territory. Under this 
correct impre>sion, Hayne with many others repaired to the Ameri- 
can camp. His merit attracted immediate attention ; and the militia 
of his district, by an election in camp, honoured him with the com- 
mand of a regiment. 

Taking the field immediately, colonel Hayne conducted an ex- 
pedition into the enemy's territory. Some of his mounted militia 
penetrated the npck of Charleston, and, near the quarter house, 
captured general Williamson ; who had been as active in support- 
ing the royal authority since the surrender of Lincoln, as he had 
been firm and influential in opposing it prior to that event. Lieu- 
tenant colonel Balfour, successor of brigadier Patterson, put his 
cavalry in motion to recover Williamson. This detachment fell 
suddenly on the camp ol Hayne ; but was handsomely received and 
repelled by colonel Harden, who did not deem it prudent to push 
his success by pursuit.! Colonel FLiyne, attended by his second, 

* Present Secretary oftlie Na\'y 

t From Ihe cbviractei of major Harden it is to be presumed that tlie inferioii 
ty of bis force forbad this ineasuie, or it would have been resorted to. 



Southern Department of the United States. 319 

lieutenant colonel M'Lichlin, and a sm-ill guard, bad unfortunately 
gone to breakfast with a friend, about two miles from camp. The 
house was on tht- Charleston road ; and the negligent guard having 
left iti* j)ost m search of fn)it,* colonel Hayne was unapprised of 
the enemy's approach until he saw them a few rods from the door. 
Being very active and resolute, he pushed for his horse, mounted, 
and forced his way through the foe. To pass a fence in his route, 
he put spur to his horse, which uofortunat> ly fell in leaping, and 
the entangled rider was overtaken by his pursuers. M-Lachlin, 
being cut ofi' from his horse, fell sword m hand, bravely contending 
against the surrounding enemy. 

Colonel Hayne was conveyed to Charleston, and lodged in the 
prison of the piovosl. The purity of the prisoner's character, 
and his acknowledged kindness to the unfortunate in his power, pled 
against the severity which the commandant was disposed to exer- 
cise : nevertheless the most rigorous course was pursued with re- 
lentless pertinacity. 

Soon after he was confined in the provost, colonel Hayne receiv- 
ed an offi'.ial letter from the town major, stating that " a board of 
general officers! would assemble the next day, for his trial " In " 
the evening of the following day, the same officer informed hirri 
that " instead of a council of general officers, a court of inquiry 
would be held to determine in what view he ought to be consider- 
ed ; and that he should be allowed pen, ink and paper, and counsel." 
On the 29th n{ July, two days after this intelligence, the town ma- 
jor directed his adjutant to acquaint colonel Hayne, " that in conse- 
quence of the court of inquiry, held as directed, lord Rawdon and 
colonel Balfour have resolved on his execution, on Tuesday, the 
31st instant, at six o'clock ; for having been found under arms, and 
employed in raising a regiment to oppose (he British government, 
after he had become a subject, and accepted the protection of go- 
vernment at the reduction of Charleston." 

The prisoner, now for the first time informed of the charge 
exhibited against him. addressed the following letter to the two 
British officers, who were about to imbrue their hands in his blood. 

To lord Raxvdon and colonel Balfour. 
" My lord and Sir, 

" On Thursday morning I had the honour of receiving a letter 
from major Frazer, by whicli he informed me, that a council of 

* One of ttie thousand instances during the war of the waste of American life 
by confidence in inilitin, and among the numerous evidences in favour ot a clas- 
sifies ion of our militia, by vvhirh measure we should obtain defenders worthy 
of the high trust reposed in them. 

+ This should probably be slnff ojuers, as there were no British general offi- 
cers then in Carolina. In a siatrrneiit ol liis ose subimtted hy colonel Hayne 
to hi- counsel in Charleston, and [lulilii-he.f in the Loiidc^n Foliti al M,.g^zine 
for i"^) he says he received from niijin Fiazer, a notice in the lollowing 
words-S*«' a court of inquiry, composed of tour itvj}' ojjicers, and five captains, 
.^CC.'VEci. 



32d Memoirs of the War in the 

general officers would be assembled the next day for my trial ; and 
on the evening of the same day, 1 received another letter trom the 
same officer, acqu:iinting me, that instead of that, a court uf inquiry 
would sit for the purpose of deciding under what point of view I 
ought to be considered. 1 was also told, that any person whom 1 
should appoint, would be permitted to accompany me as my coun- 
sel. Having never entertained any otiier idea of a court of inquiry, 
or heard of any other being formed of it, than ot its serving meiely 
to precede a council of war, or some other tribunal, for ex^iminmg 
the circumstances more lully, except in the case of a tipy ; and 
Mr. Jarvis, lieutenant marshal to the provost, not having succeeded 
in finding the person who had been named for my counsel, i did 
not take the pains to summon any witnesses, though it would have 
been in my power to have produced many ; and I presented myself 
before the court without any assistance whatever. When 1 was 
before that assembly, I was further convinced that I had not been 
deceived in my conjectures. I found that the members of it were 
not sworn, and the witnesses were not examined upon oath ; and 
all the mRmbers, as well as every person present, might easily have 
perceived, by the questions which I asked, and by the whole tenor 
of my conduct, that 1 had not the least notion ttiat I was tried or 
examined upon an affair on which my life or death depended 

" In the case of spies, a court of inquiry is all that can be ne- 
cessary, because the simple fact whether the person is or is not a 
spy, is all that can be the object of their researches ; and his hav- 
ing entered the lines of the enemy's camp or garrison, subjects 
him to military execution. As that accusation neither is nor caa 
be made against me, 1 humbly conceive that the information I re- 
ceived, that the cour* would make inquiry concerning what point 
of view I ought to be considered under, could not be taken as a 
suUicient notice of (heir having an intention to try me then ; but 
could only be thought to signify, that they were to take it into con- 
sideration whether I ought to be looked upon as a British subject 
or as an American : that in the first case 1 should undergo a legal 
and impartial trial ; in the second, I should be set at liberty on my 
parole. Judge then, my lord and sir, of the astonishment 1 must 
have been in, M'lien 1 found they had drawn me by surprise into a 
proceeding tending to judgment, without my knowing it to be such ; 
and deprived me of the ability of making a legal defence, which it 
would have been very easy for me to have done, founded both in 
law and in fact ; — when i saw myself destitute of' the assistance of 
counsel and of witnesses ; and when they abruptly informed me. 
that after the procedure of the court 1 was condemned to die, and 
that in a very few days. Immediately upon receiving this notice, 
I sent for the lawyer whom I had originally chosen for my counsel. 
I here inclose his opinion concerning the legality of the process 
held against me ; and I beg that I may be permitted to refer myself 
to him. I can assure you with the utmost truth, that 1 had and 
have many reasons to urge in my defence, if you will grant pa e the 
favour of a regular trial ; if not, which I cannot however suppose 



Southern Department of the United States. 321 

fwm your justice and Immnnity, I earnestly intrent that my execa- 
tioi) may be (ieterred. thai 1 may at least take a last farewell of my 
chiMret), and |»f(pare tor tiie dreadful change. 1 hope you will 
return me a speedy answer ; and Uin, with respect, 

" ISAAC HAYNE." 

To this representafif.n the town major returned the following an- 
swer. " 1 have ti) inform you, that your execution is not ordered 
in conspcjucnce oi' any sentence fiom liie court of iitquiry ; hut by 
virtue ol' the aullioiity with which the commander in ciiiet' in South 
Carolina and the commanding officer in Charleston are invested; 
and tiieir re.-i^oivcs on the subject aie fixed and unchangeable." 

Disdaining further di.-cussion vvith rclentii^ss power, Hayne mere- 
ly solicited a sbort respite, to enable him for the last time to see 
his children. The requtsl was granted in the following communi- 
cation from the town major. " 1 am to inhjrm you, that in conse- 
quence of a petition signed by governor Bull and pjuny others, as 
aUo of your priiyer of yesterday, and the humane tieatment shown 
by you to tlie Britisn pri-oners who fell into your hands, you are 
respited for forty-eight hours ; but should general Greene offer to 
expostulate ia your f;i\ our with the commanding officer, from thai 
moment tin* respite will ccise, u.:J you will be orucrcd to imme- 
diate execution." 

Alter the delivery of this message, the amiable American enjoyed 
the comfort of seeing his family and conversing with his friends. 
During tliis inierefling tlus awfi.il j)eiiod, he exhibited a dignified 
composure ; and in his last evenini^ declared, that " he felt no more 
alarmed at death, than at any other occurrence which is necessary 
and unavoidable." V'l'ry ditierent, indeed, were the feelings of his 
friends. Mrs. Poronnoau, b.is sister, accompanied by liis children, 
all c!;',d ill the deepest mournin;.', and manifostiug the torture of 
their heart reading agony, wailed on lord Kawdou, and on thei.F 
knees supplicated him to spare their father and brother ! But his 
lordstiip's " rc-olve v.as fixed and unchangeable !" Anxious to ter- 
minate a life of iruth in the foraiahtios of honour, colonel Elayne 
solicited, in a second letter to the stern diunnvirate, permission to 
die like a S;)ldier. lie llieii arranged the preceding currespondence ; 
and on the m-jriiing of his execution presented the packet to his 
son (a boy ol thirteen year^) and directed him to '• deliver it to 
Wrs. Edwards, with my reque?l to forward it to her brother in con- 
gress. Go then to the place of my execution, — receive my body, 
and see it decently interiod with my forefathers." This done, he 
embi.iced him, imploring the divine blessing on his oiphan children. 
Dressed witii his accustomed neatness, accompanied by a ie\r 
friends, he marched with unruffled serenity through a weejiing 
crowd to the place of execution. He had fiutered himself with the 
presum|)tion thdt his last request would be granted : quickly the 
sight of the gibbet announced the fallacy of this hope. Eor a mo- 
ment he paused, but immediately recovering his wonted firmne.«s, 
moved forward. At this in.stant a friend whispered his confidence 
41 



322 Memoirs of the War in the 

that " you will now exhibit an example of the nianner in which an 
American can die." " I *vill endeavour to do so" was the rrply of 
the modest martyr. Never vvus intention better fulfilled : neither 
arrogating snpiriority, nor betraying weakness, he ascended the 
cart, unsupported and unappiillFd. Having taken leave of his friends, 
and commended his infant family to their protection, he drew the 
cap over his eyes, and illustrated by his demeanor, that death in 
the cause ot our country, even on a gallows, cannot appal the vir- 
tuous and the brave 

The proceedings in this case exhibit a prevarication and precip' 
itance, no less disreputable to the authors than repugnant to the 
feelings of humanity. The unfortunate captive is tirst informed, 
that a court martial will be convened for his trial ; next, that a 
court of inquiry will determine the proper mode of procetiure, be- 
fore whom he will be allowed the assistance of counsel ; then with- 
out this Hssistance that he is doomed to death in consequence of the 
delil)erations of the latter tribunal ; and lastly, that the bloody sen- 
tence does not emanate from this authority, but is the inflexilde de- 
cree oi the two military commanders Had the discovery of truth 
and execution of justice been the sole objects in view, those uho 
well knew, English law, liberty and practice, could not have erred. 
Colooel Hayne was certainly either a prisoner of war, or a British 
subject. W the latier, he was amenable to the law, and indisputa- 
bly entitled to the formalities and the aids of trial : but if the former, 
he was not responsible to the British government, or its militiry com- 
m mder, for his lawtul conduct in the exercise of arms Unhappily 
for tiiis virtuous man, the royal power was fast declining in the 
South. J'he intiabifants weie eager to cast off the temporary alle- 
giance of conquest : it was deemed necessary to awe them into sub- 
mission by some distinguished severity ; and Hajne was the select- 
ed victim ! 

As soon as this tragical event was known to general Greene, he 
addressed a letter to colonel Balfour, demanding an explanation of 
the daring outrage. The commandant replied, that " the execution 
of colonel Hayne took place by the joint order of lord Rawdon and 
himself; but in consequence of the most explicit directions from 
lord Cornwallis ' to put to death all those wtio should be found in 
arras, after being at their own request received as subjects, since 
the capitulation of Charleston, and the clear conquest of the {)ro- 
vince in the summer of 1780; more especially such, as should 
have accepted of commissions, or might distinguish themselves in 
inducing a revolt of the country.' To his lordship, therefore, as 
being answerable for the measure, the appeal will more properly 
be made."* 

• Extract of a letter from lieutenant colonel Balfour to major general Greene, 
dated Charleston, September^, 1781. 
•'I come now to that part which has respect to the execution of colonel 
Hayne ; on which head I am to inform you it took place by the joint order of 
lord RawHon and myself, in consequence of the most express diiections fiom 
lord Cuinwallis to us, in regard to all those who should be found in arms, after 



Southern Department of the United States. 323 

The order of lord Cornwalli'^, as avowed by the commandant of 
Charleston, engaged the serious attention of Greene ; uhi» d<^ter- 
tnio'^d (o resist, with all his povver, the cruel and sanguinary system. 
The officers of the American army entered with zeal into the views 
ol heir leader ; and urged, in a unanimous addr-ss, the propriety 
of ri^taliation. " Permit us to >idil," says the concluding ptiragraph 
of that maidy paper, " that while we lament the necessity of such 
a spvere <-xp .dient, and commiserate the sufferings to which indi- 
viduals will be neccnsarily txposed; we are not unmindful that 
such a measure may, in its consequences, involve our own lives in 
additional danger But vve had rather forego temporary distinctions, 
and commit our lives to the most desperate (situation, than prose- 
cute this just and necessar^ war on terms so unequal and dishon- 
oiiFable." Greene was highly gratified with t'<e cordial support, 
spontaneously pledged by his arnry ; and, soon after his depiriure 
from the High Hills, issued a prorlamation, severely arraigniiig the 
execution of colonel Hayne, declaring his determination to " make 
reprisals for all such inhuman insults, and to select for tiie oljects 
of retaliation officers of the regular forces, and not the delu.ied 
Americans who had joined the royal army." 

The inhabitants of Carolina, whom the enemy had expected to 
intimidate by the wanton sacrifice of Hayoe, discovering the geiier- 
ous and determinfd *pirit of the American general and army, dis- 
carded the apprehensions at first excited, and tlorked to the stan- 
dard of their country. Emulating the ardour and decision ut the 
regular troops, they were rendy to subject themselves to all the 
perils to whith they. might be eventually exposed in the just cause 
of retaliation. 

The British officers and soldiers were not unmindful of the chang- 
ed condition of the war. The unplfa«ant sensations arising from 
this state of things naturnlly produ»;ed a serious examination of the 
cause ; and tlie inquiry was not calcuhiled to inspire contidence. 

being at tfieir own request received as subjects, since the capitulaiion of Ctiarles- 
ton and tlie clen' conquest of the province in the summer nl 173U; more espe- 
cially such as should i)Hve arcepte'l of commissions, or might distinguish them- 
selves in inducing a revolt of the country To liis lordship, therefore, as being 
answerable for this measure, the appeal will more properly be niade, and on 
such appeal, I must not doubt, every fit satisfaction will be tendered ; but at 
the threat in your letter is of a nature which may extend in its cons^-quencea 
to the most disagreeable and seiions lengtlis, I cannot dismiss this subject with- 
out some general remarks, still referring for the particular justification to the 
0[>inion and decision of lord Cornwallis, immediately under wliom I have the 
honour to art. 

" And first I must conceive, without adverting to the particular cause of dis- 
pute between Great Britain and this country, that on the subjection of any 
territory, the inhabitants of it owe allegiance to the conquering power, (.in the 
present case a voluntary acknowledgment was given, and consequent protec- 
tion received ;) and that on any account to recede from it, is justly punishable 
with death, by whatever law, either civil or military, is then prevalent 

''To justify retaliation, lam convinced you will agree, a parity 'f circuni- 
stances in all respects is requirfd ; without such, every shadow of justice is ta- 
nioved, and vengeance only points to indiscriminate liorrors." 



S^ Memoirs of the War in the 

The feelings which it evritOfl reccired n copsiilerable (Addition 
from the ropresentnlion «hicli, by permission ofthc American gene- 
ral, wa' now n:iadc by two Di iti«*h siilK'.ltom-?, t^i'icn prisoners shortly 
after the execution of colonci Ilayne was known in (he Americait 
camp ; and who, as soon as captured, were commi'lcd to the pro- 
vost by order of general Grecnr. Approheridina; that they would 
become the first victims ofthc barbnroos policy introdu-ed by their 
commander?, they addre>!?ed their friend-s in (/harleston, describing 
their condition, announcing their probable fate, ami ri^rerring to that 
clause in the American general's prochimation, which confined his 
menaced retaliation to British officers only. 

The honourable and r-vfle^ting of both armies perceived, that (he 
justice of the sentence wrs at leust qncs'ionoble ; that inconsistency 
and passion had marked the proceedings. Nor did it escape ob- 
serv.ition, that cclont-l Baifonr, when attempting to shiel i himself 
and coadj^itor nnder cover of instructions, withheld their date. This 
suppression n;itura!ly excited a behcf, tliat the orders of lord Corn- 
waliis were previous to Greene's recovery of that pirt of Carolina 
in which Hayno re-ided. Al'li ongh his instrui (inns might have 
comprehended the case oft'ne ill iated American, while the country 
around him was subject to the royal power; yet after the recon- 
quest by Greene, they coald not be applied with justice. The ex- 
traordinary condition wh'ch accompanied the respite, corroborated 
this conjecture. U was generally asked, if the decision be really 
conformable with the instructions of Cornwaliif:, why should Greene's 
expostulation be prohibiletl ? The interposition of the American 
geoers! could not prevent the execution of the sentetice, if correct ; 
but would ls?.d to a discussion with his lordship, which might de- 
mon-Irate its injustice — an event to be courted, not avoided, by 
honourable men, dispensing death at their pleasure. It occasioned 
no little surprise, ttiat !oid Rawdon, who had been deemed scrupn- 
lously observant of the nice hearings of honour, should have |»ro- 
•yoked a system of ret.diation, in the nnoleas mt consequences of 
which he could not participate, being about to depirt for ever from 
the theatre of af lion!* 

All these considerations, combined with the acttjal condition of 
two of their comrades, produced a meeting of t!ie British officers in 
Charleston, who presented a memorial to the commandant, expres- 
sing their dis?alisfact!on at the changed condition of l!ic war. 

It ivas reported and believed that the memorial w^is answered by 
an assurance, that the late san;^ui^ary precedent should never be re- 
peated ; which not oniy caiined iho just a[)[)rehensio!is of the Bri- 
tish army, but Sfcms to have inHuenccd tiio future conduct of Bri- 
tish commandant?. 

When the execution of ILiyne vvis kno*vn in Etii^laud, it became 
fl topic of atiimai'vorsion. The duke of Iviohrnnnd introduced the 
subject in the house of lords, by " moving an address to the king, 

* The VF.ader \v]\] finrl \n the appfin !1\-, Inrd Ra-vrlon's aM'^ juftiScfitfon cf 
himself in :i !eU(;i to ilie amlior. — I'll. 



Southern Department of the United States. S^B 

praying; that his majesty would give directions for laying before the 
house the several papers rf lative to the execution of Isaac Ilayne." 
His grace prefaced the motion with a succinct and correct narrative 
ot the capture, condemnation and execution of the American colo- 
nel ; and charged the procedure with ' ille;;;nUty,' ' barbarity,' and 
' impohcy.' He read to the house an extract from the proclama- 
tion of general Gre«>ne, in which the execution was "reprobated as 
a cruel and urijusiiiiable murder, and severe retaliation was threat- 
ened on the persons of British officers. His grace called on the 
house to institute an immediate and effectual inquiry, as the only 
mean of securing their own officers from the danjrers which hung 
over them ; and of rescuing the British nation from the opprobrious 
charges of cruelty and barbarity, under which it laboured in all the 
states in Europe." The motion was strenuously opposed by the 
lord chancellor, the lords Walsingham and Slormont, They argued 
that " as his majesty's n»inislers had declared that no information 
had been received relative to the tacts alluded to, it was inconsis- 
teiil with the dignity and gravity of the house to proceed to a for- 
mal inquiry on vague and uncertain surmises ; that it was still less 
caudid afid equitable, on such slight grounds, to call in question the 
characters of brave, deserving, absent officers. But were the fact* 
true and authentic, these lords contended, tliat colonel Hayne, hav- 
ing been taken in arms after admission to his parole, was liable to 
instant execution, without any other form of trial than that necessary 
to i.lentify the person." The earl of fluntingdon. uncle to lord 
Rawdon, acc[u noted the house, that " he had authority from the 
earl of Cornwalhs to declare, that this had been the practice in se- 
veral cases under his command in North Carolina." The doctrine 
of the ministerial lords was denied, with great confidence, by the 
earls Siielburne and Effingham. It was ai-^scrted by the former, 
♦' from circumstances within his own knowledge, that the practice in 
the late war was- totally (Hiferent A great degree of ignominy and 
stricter confinement were the consequences of a breach of parole : 
the persons guilty of that offence were shunned by gentlemen ; but 
it had never before entered into the head of a commander to hang 
them." The earl of Eilingham remarked, that " the practice of 
granting paroles was a modern civility of late date, not yet prevalent 
in all countries ; and that the lord chancellor's quotation from Gro- 
tiu> related to spies, and not to prisoners wlin had broken their 
paroles." The motion of the duke of Richmond was rf^jected by 4 
large majority ; tucnty-live lords voting in favour of the address, 
an<i seventy three against it* 

The arguments, in opposition to the motion, are certainly feeble. 
Want of olTicial info»-mation was a good reason for postponement, 
but not for rejection. If the principles of public law, relative to 

* The following cnirespnnflence evinces tho sensibility with vrhich lorH Raw- 
don resented ihe iuipiitati(;ns cast upon his rhnracter by the proceeding of the 
duke of Richmond, his spirited adherence to the point ef honour, and the ample 
atouemeat which was made him. — Kd. 



326 Mernoirs of the War in the 

spies, can be applied to prisoners who violate their paroles, they 
were inapplicable to the case of Hayne ; who was condemned tor 

From the London Political Magazine of 1782. 
No. I. 

Lord Rawdoii's letter to Ike duke of Richmond, delivered to him by lord Ligonier 
on Thursday evening, at 7 o'clock, February 21, 1782. 

To the duke of Richmond. 

Thursday noon, February 21. 
My Lord : 
I am this moment arrived from Ireland, from whence I have been hastened by 
the illiberal advantage wliirh you have taken ofmy absence. When I learned, 
by the public papers, that an UKiuiiy into the execution of Isaac Hayne, of 
South Carolina, was moved for before the house of lords, I feared that their lord- 
ships would not find any materials on which to decide their opinions ; but, from 
the unspotted justice of that high court of honour, 1 rested secure that vague 
surnnses, nnd unsupported insinuations, would not be pcimitted to affect the 
public character ol a British officer. The house, as I conjef tured, have reject- 
ed the suspicion with disdain. It now rests with me to notice such personal in- 
jury towaids my private reputation, as could not become the subject ol their 
lordships' animadversion. Tlie expressions with which you, my lord, introduced 
the motion, were as unnecessary to the business, as they are little reconcilable 
to the dignity of a senatoi, the public spirit of a citizen, or the can<lour of a gen- 
tleman ; of course, I feel them fit objects for my resentment. 1 do, therefore, 
require that you, my lord, shall make a public excuse, in fuch manner, and in 
such term.-, as I siiall dictate, for the scandalous in\putation which you have 
thrown on my humanity, a quality which ought to be as dear in a sokher's esti- 
mation as valour itself. If your grace had rather abet your malignity with youv 
sword, I shall rejoice in brini^ing the matter to that issue. Besides the considera- 
tion ofmy own wrongs, I shall think myself the avenger of my brother officeis in 
America, to whose security you have given an oblique attaint, by your affected 
fears for the consequences of general Greene's proclamation. 

(Signed) RAVVDON. 

No. 11. 
Answer of the duke of Richmo?id to lord Rail-don's letter, taken in writing by lord 
Ligonier, from the duke''s own mouth, received at 9 o'' clock on Thursday eve- 
ning, February 21, 1732. 

The duke declines receiving the letter, as it is couched in terms which he thinks 
unjustifiable. That as it was never liis intention, so he firmly believes he made 
use of no expression that rould be possibly misconstrued into a personal attack on 
lord Rawdon. That he has no objection to referring to the chancellor, for his 
recollection and opinion on the subject ; and that if he can recollect any expres- 
sion in the couise of ihe debate, that could be applied as injurious to the charac- 
ter of lord Rawdon, he will take an opportunity, in his place, of disavowing 
such intention; provided lord Rawdon desires the duke so to do in more admis- 
sable language. That lord Rawdon has not specified any expression that is in- 
jurious to his character — consequently the duke cannot at present give any other 
answer. 

No. IIL 
Reply of lord Rawdon to Iheduke of Richmond's answer, February 2l, 10 o^lock 

at mght. 
Lord Rawdon will not admit any one expression in his letter to be unjustifia- 
ble, after the liberty which tlie duke of RichrDoud has talien with his character. 
It is not of any particular word made use of by the duke that lord Rawdon com- 
plains ; but lord Rawdon arraigns the general cast of the proceedings which has 
publicly exposed him to the suspicion of wanton severity, and abuse of power. 
That the duke of Richmond should gel up in his place in the house, and disavow 



Southern Department of the United States. 327 

•'being found in arms after he hnd become a subject." Nor is the 
doctrme of tlie earl of Shelburne entirely' correct. " Modern 

the idea of casting any the most distant insinuation upon lord Rawdon's con- 
duct, is the mode of excuse which lord Rawnon would require. But the terms, 
as the letter mentioned, must be dictated by lord Rawdon. 

Thursday, 10 at night. 
No. IV 

Copy of a paper in the duke of Richmond's hand-writing, brought to lord RaW' 
don by lord Ltgonier and gent.al Conway, on Friday noon, Feb. 22. 

Lord R;iwdon says that he uill not admit any one exprcssinn In his letter to 
be uiijusiifiable, after tlir liberty the iluke of Richmond has taken with his char- 
acter ; — but as the fact i.«, that lord Rawdon has been misinformed, and the 
duke of Richmond did not take any liberty with loid Rawdon's character, ami 
has declared so to lord l.igonier — he must persist in thinking several of the ex- 
pressions in lord Rawdon's letter very unjustifiable. 

Lord Rawdon says he does not complain of any particular word made use of 
by tne duke of Richmon.t ; consequently the duke of Richmond can have none 
to explain. 

But lord Rawdon says he arraigns the general cast of the proceedings — this 
also the duke cf Richmond denies (o have been in any degree personal to lord 
Ravttion, which he took very particular pains to explain, in the opening of that 
business. In piDof of this assertion he has already expressed, and now repeats, 
his willingness to refer iuio the chancellor, whose name has been meniioned as 
having possibly conceived it otherwise, or to any other unprejudiced peer, whe- 
ther the whole or any pait of the duke's conduct had the least personality to- 
ward lord Rawdon? And if, contrary to his expectations, any thing of that 
nature ran be imputed to him, he will be very ready, as it never was his iiiten- 
tiou, to say so in his place, upon a desire from lord Rawdon, expressed in such 
terms as a man of honour can coniply with — but a moment's reflection must 
satily lord Kawdon that the duke ol Riciimoiid cannot suffer liiinsell to be dic- 
tated to by any man, and, that such expressions can only seive to make it im- 
possible ♦or the duke of Richmond lo give lord Rawooii the reasonable satisfac" 
tion, he is otherwise, of his own accord, desirous of doing, by disclaiming any 
intentions of sxtt icking lord Rawdon's pi rsonal character, if any unprejudiced 
peer who was present, will say that theie was the least reason for supposing he 
had done so. 

No. V. 

Ultimatum of lord Raudon, xent to Hit duke of Richmond by lord Ligonier, o»j 
I nday evening, Feb. 22. 

The duke of Richmond forgets thai lord Rawdon does not solicit, but requires 
satisfaction for a gross injury offered (it matters not whether through design or 
carelessnessj lo his reputation. Were any relerence necessary, the approved ho- 
nour, as well as tne distinguished ability of the chancellor, would decide lord 
Rawdon to submit the case to his opinion: but lord Rawdon's feelings can 
alone determine, whether any imputation may affect his character from the 
late proceedings of the duke of Richmond — lord Rawdon has left the duke the 
only alternative his honour will allow. 

The excuse required is here subjoined. It is expected that it shall be deliv- 
ered in full House, by the duke in his place. 

Friday, 3 Afternoon. 

" I find that my motion for the inquiry into the execution of Isaac Hayne, 
'* has been considerei), as provokmg a suspicion against lord Rawdon's justice 
"and humanity. I solemnly protest, that I did not conceive that it could throw 
*' the most distant insinuation upon his lordship's conduct; nor did lever mean 
" to say any thing th-it could have that tendency. Since i learn that the mat- 
*' ter is thought liable to bear a false construction, I declare that f am very sorry 
" to have introduced it upon authority, to wiich (at the time of inaking my 
'* motion) I said I could affix no degree of credit." 



328 Memoirs of the War in the 

civility" has incleed meliornted the severities of war, by accommo- 
dating prisoners with paroles. Sometimes the indulged captive is 
permitted to return to his country ; at oihers, he is tjstrained to a 
p;irticular town or district ; and in either case, he is required ta 
remain neuter until officially exchanged. Ignoniiny justly tbllowa 
the violation of parole in regard lo limits ; but the breach of it by 
resumption of arms is invariably and rightly punished with death. 
Had Hayne been guilty of this offence, his execution would have 
been indispnt ibly just : but the virtuous American neither was nor 
could be charged with infraction of parole, by resumption of wrms. 
The parole, under which he retired to his seat after the capitulation 
of Charleston, wa.-; completely revoked by the order to repaii' to 
that citv, and by the surrender of his person to the British com- 
mandant. He was theii permitted to return to his family, not as a 
prisoner on parole, but as a British subject; of which character 
the reconquest by Greene entirely divested him, and restored lum 
to his country, his liberty, and duty. 

The ship, in which lord R ivvil')a emburked for England, was 
captured by some of the French cruisers, and brought into the 
Chesapeake. Soon afterwards the propitious termination of the 
siege of York placed in our hands the earl of Cornwallis. Wash- 
ington had it now in his power to execute the intention of Greene ; 
but the change in the demeanor of the British commanders, and 
the evident and fast approach of peace, rendered the severe expe- 
dient unnecessary. He theretbre indulged his love of lenity, and 
conformed his conduct to the mild temper of the United States ; 
forgiving an atrocity, which, at any other period of the war, would 
not have been overlooked. 

Relieved as must have been lord Rawdon and colonel Balfour, 
not more by the decision of the house ot lords, than by the cle- 
mency of the American coinii:ander in chief, they could not, with 
propriety, infer IVom either circumstance, justification of their con- 
duct. The rejection of the duke of Richmond's motion grew out 
of considerations Ibieign to tiie real merits of the subject ; and the 
Jenity of Washington may be tsuly ascribed to an unwillingness lo 
stain the e^a of victory and returning amity with tlie blood even of 
the guilty. 

Had this principle, as amiable as wise, governed lord Rawdon 
and colonel Balfour, tlieir fame would not have been tarnished by 
the blood of an estimable individual, wantonly and uunecessaiily 
shed. How unlike the conduct of these commanders was that of 
the American chieftiin to the unfortunate Andrei At a period of 
the war, when u birict and stern execution of mirtial law was in- 

Ko. VI. Memorandum of the result. 
Lord Ravvflon liaviiig roqueslotl loril Ligonier »o desiiaiid from the dul.c of 
Ricliiiiond a decisive option upon llie alteiiiaiive proposed in the first Iftter, 
adhered to in the second message, and agiiiii ulliauiiely insisted on in the mes- 
sage of last night — general Conwa}' has this morning signified lo lord Rawdon, 
on the part of the duke of Riciimond, his grace's unqualified acquiescence, in 
making the excuse as required by lord Rawdon. 

Salurdaj/, Feb. 23, two o''clock afternoon-. 



Soitthern Department of the United States. 329 

dispensable, (he interposition of sir Henry Clinton in belialf of an 
acktiowlodged spy was received by Washington with patience and 
wi;h tendo.rne^s ; and every argnincnt, which the British general 
and his commissioners could .'^ugs^cst, was respectfully weighed.-— 
But in the closing of the war, wljcn line policy and the mild tenet« 
of chri.sti.mity alike nryed oblivion and good will, lord Ravvdon and 
colonel Balfotir hurried an innocent un(ned American to (he gal- 
lows, ai)d cruelly inlordicted peevioMs communication with his 
general ! 



CHArTER XXXI n. 

A. HE deliiferale resolve of Gieene, guaranlied by (he solemn 
and spontaneous pledge of his officer?, changed the character of 
the war, and presented death !o the soldier in the most ignominioug 
form. Deiith, in the tield nf l)ali!e, has no terror /"or the brave : 
to expire on the gibbet shoclis all the noble and generous feelings. 

Major Andre's letter, Vvhen condemned as a spy, i^mphalically 
delineates this horror ; and paints in vivid colours, sensations com- 
mon to every soldier.* 

Neverlheiess the army exhibited on its march the highest spirit* 
with zealous anxiely to reacli the f e ; and conscious of the justice 
of the measure iidopted by their general, uith one tieeling cheer- 
fully submitted to it<i consequences. 

Proceeding by easy marches Greene crossed the Wateree neac 
Camden ; but still separated from the enemy by the Congaree, he 
was obliged to make a long and circuitous march to gain its southern 
bank, which placed him safe from the possibility of insult while in 
the act of passing the i iver. 

Copies of the proclamation heretofore issued were distributed 
throughout the country, as well as forwarded to the hostile head- 
quarters, and to Charleston ; that the enemy, being duly apprised 

• Copy of a letter from major Andre to general Washington, dated, 

Tappan, October 1, 1780. 
Sir : 

. Buoyed above the terror of deatbi by the consciousness of a life devoted to 
honourable puisuits, and stained with no action tliat can give me remorse, I 
tciist that the request I make to your excellency at this serious period, and 
which is to soften my last moments, will not be rejected. 

Sympathy towaids a soldier will surely induce your excellency, and a milita- 
»y tribunal, to adapt the mode of my death to the feelings of a man of honour. 
Let me hope, sir, that if aueht in my character impresses you with esteen\ 
towards me j if aught in my misfortunes marks me as the victim of policy, and 
not of resentment; I shall experieuee the operation of these feelings in yoat 
breast, by being informed that I am not to die on a gibbet. 

I have the honour to be, 

your excellency's most obedient, 
and most humble servant, 
JOHN ANDRE, 
Adjutant-general to the BiiiisK army. 
•42 



339 Memoirs of the War in the 

of the determination of the American general, might without delay 
arrest its execution by suitiible explanation and atonement. No 
attempt of this sort was made, and no doubt remained that the me- 
naced retaliation would take effect as soon as fit subjects for ita 
application should fall into our bands. 

Having reached the neighbourhood of Friday's ferry, the army 
passed the Conc;aree at Howell's ; having been joined by brigadier 
Pickens, with his militia, and by lieutenant colone^ Henderson, of 
the South Carolina line, with a small body of stale infantry lately 
"raised. 

The (wo armies being now on the same side of the river, Ilea* 
tenant colonel Lee, with his legion and the corps of Henderson, 
was detached in advance, followed by the main body in supporting 
distance. 

Greene continued to pursue his march with unvarying attention 
to the ease and comfort of his troops ; preserving unimpaired their 
strength by withholding them from exposure to the mid day sun, 
which continued to be keen and morbid. 

As the van approached Motte's, the exploring cavalry under cap- 
tain O'Neal fell in with a light party of the enemy detached for 
the purpose of procuring intelligence. These were all killed or 
taken. From the prisoners we learnt that colonel Stewart, when 
informed of Greene's passage of the Waleree and movement to- 
wards Friday's ferry, broke up from his position, and retired dowa 
the Santee for the purpose of meeting a convoy from Charleston, 
and of establishing himself near Nelson's ferry on that river, which 
information was forthwith communicated to the general. Perse- 
vering in his plan of forcing the enemy to confine himself to the 
region bordering on the sea, after a few days halt in the vicinity of 
Motte's waiting for the junction of brigadier Marion, then on his 
return from the Edisto, he again advanced. Lieutenant colonel 
Lee, still preceding the army, soon found that Stewart had set down 
at the Eutaw Springs forty miles below his late position, where the 
convoy from Charleston had arrived. This intelligence was de- 
spatched to Greene, who was disposed to stimulate further retreat ; 
hit sole object being the recovery of the country, and which, 
though determined to effect, he preferred doing without further 
waste of blood. Lee was accordingly instructed to announce rather 
than conceal the advance of the American army, in order that Stew- 
art might, if he chose, fall back a second time. During our march 
on the 5th and Cth the van corps met with not a singly individual, 
excepting two dragoons from the enemy's camp, one each day, 
bearing a flag, with despatches for the American general. These 
dragoons successively confirmed the continuance of Stewart at the 
Eutaws ; adding that there was no appearance of change in position, 
and that when they left camp, it was believed that general Greene 
was still near Motte's post. Instead of receiving the despatches 
and sending them on as was customary, Lee ordered the British 
dragoons to proceed to the army, with the view that if general 
Greene continued to prefer annunciation of hia approach to the 



Southern Department of the United States. 351 

enemy the same might be effeclually done by the immediate rnlurn 
of the fl.igs, with oiderj* for their proceeding to Stew-.irt. Iniismuch 
as no attempt had been made to conceid the advance of" the Ameri' 
can army, Greeue could not suppose that Stewart remained ignorant 
of the fact ; and, therefore, in the course of the day dismissed the 
flags, sending them back to hentenant colonel Lee without any 
special directions ; knowing from the discretion appertaining to the 
officer in advance, that he would be governed in his disposal of 
them by intervening occurrences. The same uninterrupted quie- 
tude continuing during the seventh, Lee became convinced, strange 
as it appeared, that the British commander was uninformed of our 
proximity ; and, therefore, determined to retain the flags. This 
was accordingly done, and Greene having first halted at Laurens's 
form,* encamped for the night at Burdell's pkmtalion, within seven * 
miles of the enemy, determining to advance at an early boor the 
ensuing morning. It was well ascertained that the British troops 
were forced to forage at a distance, and that occasionally parties 
were detached for the collection of vegetables as well as of forage ; 
Lee consequently determined to take every precaution to prevent 
any communication during the night, believing it probable that he 
might in the morning fall in with some of the detachments employ- 
ed in procuring supplies. The same dead calm continued : nobody- 
was seen moving in any direction — a state of quiet never before 
experienced in similar circumstances. While btewart spent the 
night perfectly at ease, from his ignorance of passing events, the 
American general was preparing for battle. 

Our whole force, including the reinforcements from North Caro- 
lina (which joined us at the High Hills) under general Sumner, the 
corps of Marion and of Pickens, with that lately formed in South 
Carolina under lieutenant colonel Henderson, amounted to ttvo 
thousand three hundred men, of xvhich th§ continentals (horse, foot 
and artillery,) made about sixteen hundred. 

Lord Ravvdon, as has been before mentioned, led to the relief 
of Ninety-Six an army of two thousand,! to which was annexed the 
garrison of that place under lieutenant colonel Cruger, pari of 
which only was now with Stewart. 

* This farm belonged to Heucy Laurens, one of the most respectable, honoura- 
ble and distinguished .sitatesmen of our couiiiiy. He had for many years been 
a member of congress, and ■"(■as president of that body in a very trying period 
of the war. He was afterwards appointed minister plenipoteniiary to the 
United Provinces, and was unfortunately captured on liis voydge by a British 
cruiser. On landing in England, he was sent to London, when he was immedi- 
ately committeii to the tower. From this confinement, and its eventual conse- 
quence, death upon a gibbet, he was relieved by the surrender of tlie army of 
lord Cornwallis; from which era the enemy relinquished every hojje of subjuga- 
tion, and turned his attention with diligence to the conclusion ot peace. 

Laurens went from England to France, where he assisted in the negotiations 
which were terminated by the treaty of peace. 

t Extract from Tarleton's Campaigns — " There appears to be an error in this 
statement of the force marched from Charleston. Lord Rawdon, in his letter 
of the 5th, to earl Cornwallis, says, he should move on the 7th of June towards 
Ninety-Six with the troopfg at Monk's Corner, and the flank conipauies of the 



S32 Memoirs of tlie War in the 

The effective force of the hostile armie? m;iy be fairly estimated 
as nearly equal, each about two thousnnd three htindred. A portion 
of both armies, and that to<i nearly equal, had never as yet been 
in action ; so that in every respect the state of equality vvas pre- 
served, excepting in c;ivairy, where the advantage, boili io number 
and quality, was on our side. 

The ni^ht passed in tr;inquility ; and, judgin;^ tVom appearance'?, 
no occurrence seemed more distant than the sanguinary battle which 
followed. 

Greene advanced at four in the moniin;; in tuo columns, with ar- 
tillery at the head of each, lieutenant colonel Lee in his I'ront, and 
lieutenant colonel Washington in his rear. 

While moving with much circunisipertion. in the well grounded 
expectation that we should fall upon the British pi(]uets unj^erceiv- 
ed, captain Armstrong, conducting (he recnnnoitrinj; party, commu- 
nicated to Lee the approach of a body of the enemy This oc- 
curred about eight o'clock in the morning, tour uiiles from the 
British camp. Forwarding this intelligence to the general, and 
presuming fh;<i the descried toe, consisting of hoise and foot, must 
be the van of the enemy, Lee halted, waiting for the approximation 
of our main body. 

The legion infintry were drawn up across tiie road, the cavalry 
in open wood on its right, ami Henderson with his corps in thick 
wood upon ils left. Shortly the British appeared, following Arm- 
strong. The action opened, and the enemy we;e soon forced in 
front, while the horse, making a lapid movement under major Eg- 
gleston gaiiitd the rear. The infantry was destroyed, several 
killed, and about forty taken with their captain ; the cav.dry, flying 
in full .speed as soon as they saw the legion dragoons pressing Jbr- 
ward, saved themselves, as did the foraging {)arty tollowing in the 
rear, consisting of two or three hundred without arms.* 

Pressing forward, we soon got in view of another body of the 
enemy, with whom the action recommenced. Lieutenant colonel 
Lee, advising the general of this occurrence, reque.>5ted the sup- 
port .>f artillery to counteract that of the enemy now opening. 
Quickly colonel Williams, adjutant general, brought up captain 
Gains with his two pieces in full gallop, who unlimbering took his 
part with decision and effect. 

During this rencontre both armies formed. The American hav- 
ing, as before mentioned, moved in two columns, each composed of 
the corps destined lor its respective lines, soon arranged in order of 
battle. 



tl)ree regiments lately arrtvpft. TtiPrefore it seems more probable that lorr! 
RavvHon's whole force riiil imt exreed two (housaiirl men, viz: the garrison with- 
drawn from Camcleti ; lieuti'iiHnt colonel Watson's corps ; major M'Aithur's re- 
inforcement ; and the fliink companies of colonel Gould's brigade." Add to this 
the regulars of the garrison of Ninety-Six (four hundred) and the flank compa- 
nies under M;ijorib:vnks, between two and three hundred. 

*riie tooting party, being unarmed, hastened back to the British camp iip<jp 
th« first fire, and there/ore escaped. 



Southern Department of the United States. 3SS 

The North Carolina militin nnder colooel Malmedy, with that of 
•South Carolina, led by the brigadiers Marion and Pickens, making 
the first, and the continentals making the second line : lieutenant 
colonel Campbell with the Virginians on the right ; brigadier Sum- 
ner with the North Carolinians in the centre ; * and the Maryland- 
ers, conducted by Williams and Howard, on the left, resting witb 
its left flunk on the Charleston road. Lee with his legion was 
charged with the care of the right, as was Henderson with his 
corps with that of the left flank. The artillery, consisting only of 
two threes and two sixes, commanded by the captains Gains and 
Finn, were disposed the first with the front and the last with the 
rear line ; and Baylor's regiment of horse, with Kirkwood's infan- 
try of Delaware, composed the reserve, led by lieuteniint colonel 
Washington. 

The British army wa? drawn up in one line, a few hundred paces 
in front of their camp, (tents standing ) with two separate bodies of 
iiif mtry and the cavjliy posted in its fear, ready to be ajtplied as 
contingencies might point out. 

The BiitFs t (third regiment), composed its right, resting with 
its flnnk on the Ciiarleston road : the remains of several corps un- 
der liodtenant colonel Cruger the centre ; and the sixty-third and 
sixty fourth (veterans) the left. On the Eutaw brancli, which runs 
to the British camp, right of the Charleston road, was posted major 
Majitnhanks ;it the bend oi ihe grenadiers and light infantry, making 
one battalion. — his ngtU on the branch, and his left stretching in 
an iihiique line towards the flank of the Buffs. This branch issued 
from a deep mvine, between which and the British camp was the 
Charleston road, and between the road and the ravine was a strong 
brick house The artillery was distributed along the line, a part 
on the Ch irleston road, and another part, on the road leading to 
Roarhe's plantation, which passed through the enemy's left wing. 

The front line of the American army, following close in the rear 
of the two piece* under captain Gains, began now to be felt by the 
van, who, diverging to the right and left, firing obliquely, took post 
on the flanks agreeably to the orders of battle. 

♦This arrangement of Greene's second line is not correct in point of fact. 
The North (Carolinians under Sumner were posted on the right, and Campbeli 
with the Virginians in the centre. But when the militia of the first line gave 
way, the brigade of Sumner was ordered to support them, and by his advance, 
Campbell's brigade became ihe right o( the second line. And after Sumner was 
drivfii back, the brigades of Virginia and Maryland, were brought up, the 
former on the right and in contact with the legion infantry. In this order the 
most important patt of the battle was foughi, the charge was made, and Camp- 
bell killed ; and Lee writing fiom memory rather than research, places Campbell 
on the right in the origin:il order, because he remembered he was in that posi- 
tion when he fell by his side. — Ed. 

t 'I his regiment was one of the three which had lately arrived from Ireland, 
and had never before been in action : yet, nevertheless, fought with the most 
determined courage. The regiment of Maryland, under lieutenant colonel 
Howard, was opposed to it ; and such was the obstinacy with which the contest 
was maintained, that a number of the soldiers fell transfixed by ear.h others 
iiayonetSt 



384 Memotfs of the War m the 

The militia advancing with alacrity, the btttle became warm, 
convincing lieutenant colonel Stewart, unexpected as it appears to 
I);ive been, that Greene was upon him. The tire ran from flank to 
flank ; our line still advancing, and the enemy, adhering to his po- 
sition, manifested a determination to wait an approach. 

The sixty third and the legion infantry were warmly engaged, 
when the sixty-fourth, with a part of the centre, advanced upon 
colonel Malmetly, who soon yielding, the success was pushed by 
the enemy's left, and the militia, after a fierce contesi, gave way — 
leaving the corps of Henderson and the legion infantry engaged, 
sullenly falling back. 

Greene instantly ordered up the centre of the second line under 
brigadier Sumner, to till the chasm produced by the recession of 
the militia, who came handsomely into action, ranging with the in- 
fantry of the legion and the corps of Henderson, both still main- 
taining the flanks with unyielding energy. The battle being rein-, 
stated grew hotter, and the eneuiy, who had before gained ground, 
fell back to his first position. Stewart now brought into line the 
corps of infantry posted in tlie rear of his left wing, and directed 
major Coflin with his cavalry to take post on his left ; evincing a 
jealousy of that flank where (he woods were open and the ground 
opportune for cavalry, in which we excelled. At this period of the 
action, lieutenant colonel Henderson received a ball, which stopped 
his further exertion. His corps, however, soon recovered frotn 
the effect produced by his fall ; and, led on by lieutenant colonel 
Hampton, continuing to act well its part, the American line perse- 
vered in advance, and (he fire became inulually destructive. Greene, 
determining to strike a conclusive blow, brought up the Maryland- 
ers and Virginians ; when our line became dense, and pressing 
forward with a shout the battle raged with redoubled fury.f 

The enemy, sensible that the weight of our force was bearing 
upon him, returned our shout, and sustained himself nobly from 
right to left. Majoribanks now for the first time was put in motion, 
which being perceived, lieutenant colonel Washington with the re- 
serve was commanded to fall upon him, and at the same moment 
the line was ordered to hold up its fire and to charge with bayonet. 
The air again resounded with the shouts of the advancing Ameri- 
cans ; the enemy answering by pouring in a close and quickly re- 
peated fire. As we drew near, lieutenant colonel Lee, at the head 
of his infantry, discerning that we outstretched the enemy's line, 
ordered captain Rudolph to fall back with his company, to gain the 
enemy':* flank, and to give him a raking fire as soon as he turned it. 
This movement was executed with precision, and had the happiest 
effect. The enemy's left could not custain the approaching shock, 
assailed in front as it was in flank and it instantly began to give way, 
which quickly afterwards took place along the whole line, in some 
parts of which the hostile ranks contended with the bayonet, indi- 
viduals of the Marylanders and of the Buff's having been mutually 
transfixed. 

t Sumnei's brigade had retreated before this took place, and was not in the 
charge. — Ed. 



Southern Department of the United States. 53^ 

The conquering troops pressed the advantage they had gained* 
pursuing tlie foe, and possessed thernsekes of his camp, which was 
yielded without a struggle. Washington promptly advanced to exe- 
cute the orders he had leceived, and made a circuit to gain the rear 
of Mnjoribanks, preceded by lieutenant Stuart* with one section. As 
he drevv near to the enemy, he found the ground thickly set with 
black jack, and almost impervious to horse. Deranging as was this 
unlocked for obstacle, Washington with his dauntless cavalry forced 
his way, notwithstanding the murderous discharge of the enemy, 
safe behind his covert. Human courage could not surmount the 
obstruction which interpcsed, or this gallant officer with bis intre- 
pid corps would have triumphed. Captain Watts, second in com- 
mand, fell, pierced by two balls. Lieutenants King and Simmons 
experienced a similar fate ; and W^ashington's horse being killed, 
he became entangled in the fall, when struggling to extricate him- 
self he was bayoneted and taken. Lieutenant Stuart was now dis- 
mounted, being severely wounded, and his horse killed close to 
4he hostile ranks ; nor did a single man of his section escape, some 
being killed and the rest wounded. The gallant young Carhsle, 
from Alexandria, a cadet in the regiment, was killed, and half the 
corps destroyed ; after which the residue was drawn off by captaia 
Parsons, assisted by lieutenant Gordon. 

This repulse took place at the time the British line gave way. 
Majoribanks, although victorious, fell back to cover his flying com- 
rades ; and major Sheridan, with the New York volunteers, judi- 
ciously took possession of the brick house before mentioned for the 
same purpose ; while, with the same view, major Coffin, with the 
cavalry, placed himself on the left, in an open field west of the 
Charleston road. 

In our pursuit we took three hundred prisoners and two pieces 
of artillery : one taken by captain Rudolph, of the legion infantry, 
and the other by lieutenant Duv.il, of the Maryland line, who was 
killed — a young officer of the highest promise. As soon as we en- 
tered the field, Sheridan began to fire from the brick house. ^ The 
left of the legion infantry, led by lieutenant Manning, the neare.st 
to the house, followed close upon the enemy still entering it, hoping 
to force his way before the door could be barred. One of our sol- 
diers actually got half way in, and for some minutes a struggle of 
strength took place — Manning pressing him in, and Sheridan forcing 
him out. The latter prevailed, and the door was closed. Here 
captain Barr^, deputy adjutant general, the brother of the cele- 
brated colonel Barre,t and some few others, were overtaken and 
made prisoners. Lieutenant colonel Lee, finding his left discomfit- 
ed in the bold attempt, on the success of which much hung, recall- 
ed it ; and Manning so disposed of his prisoners, by mixing them 
with his own soldiers, as to return unhurt ; the enemy in the bouse 
sparing him rather th»n risking those with him. 

* Colonel PJiilip Stuart, now a member cf congress from MRryland,- 
t Member of parliament 



336 Memoirs of the War in the 

At this point of time lieutenant colonel Howard, with a part of 
his regiment, passed through the field towards the head of the ra- 
vine, and captain Kirkwood appeared appro.iching the house on its 
right. M-ijorib-.inks, though uninjured, continued stationary on the 
enemy's right, as did Coflin with the cavalry on the Iet1t. Sheridan, 
from a few swivels and his musketry, poured his fire in every di- 
rection without cessation. 

During this period, Stewart was actively employed in forming his 
line ; diflicult in itself from the severe battle just fought, and ren- 
dered more so by the consternation which evidently prevailed. 
The followers of the army, the wagons, the wounded, the timid, 
were all hastening towards Charleston ; some along the road in our 
view, others through the field back of the road, equally in view ; 
while the st^ilF were destroying stores of every kind, especially 
spirits, which the British soldiers sought with avidity. 

General Greene brought u|) all his artillery against the house, 
hoping to effect a breach, through which he was determined to 
force his way ; convinced that the submission of the enemy in the 
house gave him the hostile army. At the same moment lieutenant 
colonel Lee (still on the right) sent for Eggleston and his cavalry, 
for tiie purpose of striking Cotfin, and turning the head of the ra- 
vine ; which point was properly selected for the concentration o^ 
our force, too much scattered by the pursuit, and by the allure- 
ments which the enemy's camp presented. Here we commanded 
the ravine, and might readily break up the incipient arrangements 
of the rallying enemy ; here we were safe from the fire of the 
house, and here we possessed the Charleston road While Lee 
was halted at the edge of the wood, impatiently waiting for the 
arrival of his horse, he saw captain Armstrong (the leading oflScer 
for the day) approaching, and not doubting that the corps was fol- 
lowing, the lieutenant colonel advanced into the field, directing Arm- 
strong to follow. 

He had gone but a little way, when the captain told him that only 
his section was up, having never seen the rest of the corps since 
its discomriture on the left some time before. This unlocked for 
intelligence was not less fatal to tiie bright prospect of personal 
glory, than it was to the splendid issue of the conflict.* Not a single 

* When lieutenant colonel Lee took cliarge of his infantry', general Greene 
was pleased to (iirect thnt the cavalry of the legion should be placed at hie 
disposal It accordingly followed, at a safe distance, in the rear of the in* 
faiitry. 

Being sent for at this crisis (as has been related) only one troop appeared. 
Major Eggleston had been pieviously ordered into action, and had been foiled, 
ty encountering the same sort of obstacle experienced by Washington, as was 
afterwards ascertained. 

To ihif unfortunate and unauthorized order, may be ascribed the turn in thi» 
day's battle. Had the legion cavalry been all up at this crisis, Coffin would 
have been cut to pieces, the enemy'h left occupied in force, the route already 
cmnmenied comphaed, and Stewart would have been depiived, by the cbanga 
in our position, of ihe aid derived from tha brick bou»e ; and his army must iji 
consequence have laid down their arms. 



Southern Department of the United States: 337 

•^ilburbt can be entertained, had the cavalry of the legion been in 
pKice, as it ought to have been, that Coflin would have been carri- 
ed, which must have been followed by the destruction of the Bri- 
tish army Our infantry were getting into order, and several hmall 
bodies were sufficiently near to have improved every advantage ob- 
tained by the cavalry. Howard, with Oldham's company, bad just 
recommenced action between tlie house and the head of the ravine ; 
and our troops on the rii-ht were in motion for the same ground, 
not doubting the destruction of CotFm, who only could annoy their 
flank. The recession of Lee, and the retirement of Howard, who 
Wiri' at this instant severely wounded, nipped in the bud measures 
of offence in this quarter ; while, on the left, the house remained 
in possession of Sheridan, the weight of our metal being too light 
to etfeci a breach. 

This intermission gave Stewart time to restore his broken line, 
which being accomplished, he instantly advanced, and the action 
was renewed. It soon terminated in the enemy's repossession of 
his camp, followed by our retreat, with the loss of two tield pieces, 
and the recovery of one of the two before taken by us. 

Satisfied with ttiese advantages, colonel Stewart did not advancfr 
further ; and general Greene (after despatching lieutenant colonel 
Lee with a proposition to the British commander, the object q§ 
which was to unite with him in burying the dead.) drew oft'; per- 
suaded that he had recovered the country, the object in view, as 
well as that a more convenient opportunity for repetition of battle 
would be presented on the enemy's retreat, which he was convinced 
could not long be deterred. 

The battle lasted upwards of three hours, and was fiercely con- 
tested, every corps in both armies bravely supporting each other. 
The loss was uncommonly great — tnore than one fifth of the Bri- 
tish and one fourth of the American army being killed and wound- 
ed, as stated in the otiicial returns, wliich intelligent odicers of both 
armies considered short of the real loss sustained The enemy 
made sixty prisoners, all wounded ; — we took about five hundred, 
including some wounded left in his camp by colonel Stewart when 
he retired. Of six commandants of regimenis bearing continental 
commissions, Williams and Lee were only unhurt. Washington, 
Howard and Henderson were wounded ; and lieutenant colonel 
Camjjbell, highly respected and beloved, was killed. 

This excellent officer received a ball in his breast, in the deci- 
sive charge which broke the British line, while listening to an 
interrogatory from lieutenant colonel Lee, then on the left of the 
legion infantry, adjoining the right of the Virginians, the po't of 
Campbell. He dropped on the pummel of his saddle speechless,* 

* Doctor Ramsay has represented the death of this highly respected officer 
diflfevently, from information which no doubt the doctor accredited 

But as the writer was personally acquainted with the transaction, he cannot 

yefrain from stating it exactly as it happened. The Virginians had begun to 

fire, which was not only against orders, but put in danger Rudolph and bis 

warty, then turning the enemy's left. To stop this fire, lieutenant coipnel Let 

' ■ 43 



338 Memoirs of the War in (he 

and was borne in the rear by Lee's orderly dragoon, in whose care 
he expired, the moment he was taken from his horse * Many of 
our otlicors of every grade suffered, mihtia as well as conti- 
» Dentals ; among whom was brigadier Pickens, who was wounded. 

The conclu'sion of this battle was as unexpected to both armies 
as it wa^i mortifying to ours. The splendour which its beginning and 
progress had shed upon our arms became obscured, and the rich 
prize within our grasp was lost. Had our cavalry contributed its 
aid, as heretofore it never failed to do, a British army must have 
surrendered to Greene on the lield of battle. But they were un- 
fortunately brought into action under difliculties not to be conqrrcr- 
ed ; one corps cut to pieces, and the other dispersed, in effect the 
same ; and the critical moment passed, before it concentrated. 
Had the infantry of the reserve preceded the cavalry of the re- 
serve, Washington would have avoided the unequal contest to ivhich 
he was expos ^d ; and by patiently watching for the crisis, would 
have fallen upon Majoribanks when retiring to shield the enemy's 
broken line. Had Eggleston not been drawn from his post by or- 
ders officiously communicated to that officer as from the general, 
when in truth he never issued such orders, Lee would have been 
joined by his cavalry, ready to inflict the last blow, so clearly with- 
in his power. Uotb these untoward incidents were necessary to 
stop us from the signal victory courting our acceptance, and both 
occurred. 

The honoui t of (he day was claimed by both sides, while the 
benefits flowing from it were yielded to the Americans : the first be- 
lon2;ed to neither and the last to us. 

Congress expressed their sense of the conduct of the general and 
of the merit of the army, presenting their thanks to Greene, and to 
every corps who fought under him on that day ; presenting him at 
the same time with a British standard, and a gold medal emblemati- 
cal of the battle. J 

g,illoped down the line to Campbell, and while speaking to him on the subject, 
the lieutenant colonel received his wound, of which he soon expired without 
uttering a word. 

♦Colonel Campbr-11, though in appearance dead, actually survived some hours 
after his (all, and on being told just before he expired, that the Americans were 
victorious, exclaimed with the heroic fervour of Wolfe, " then I die contented," 

Ed. 

+ See Appendix Q. and Q. 

X By the United States in Congress assembled, October 29th, 1781. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the United States in Congress assembled, be pre- 
•ented to major general Greene, for his wise, decisive and magnanimous conduct 
in the action of the 8th of September last, near the Eutaw Spiings, in South Ca- 
loliQa ; \n which, with a force inferior in number to that of the enemy, he ob- 
tained a most signal victory. 

That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to 
the officers and men of the Maryland and Virginia brigades, and Delaware bat- 
talion of continental troops, for the unparalleled bravery and heroism by them 
displayed, in advancing to the enemy through an incessant fire, and charging 
them with an impetuosity and ardour that could not be resisted. 

That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to 
the officers and men of the legionary corps and artillery, for their intrepid and 
gallant exertions during the action. 



Southern Department of the United IStates. 339 

Not a spring nor a rivulet was near, but that in possession of tl<« 
enemy ; and the water in our canteens had been exhsiusted eailj in 
the battle. The day was extremely sultry, and the cry for water 
was universal. 

Much as general Greene wished to avail himself of (he evident ad- 
vantage he had gained, by setting down clo^e to Stewart, he wa? 
forced to forego this desire, and to retire several miles to tin- firit 
spot which afforded an adequate supply of water. There he halted 
for the night, determined to return and renew the battle. 

Marion and Lee were to move on the 9tli, and turn the enemy's 
left, with the view of seizing the first strong pass on the road to 
Charleston, below the Eutaw Spring, as well to interrupt colonel' 
Stewart when retreating, as to repel any reinforcement which might 
be detached from the garrison of Charleston ; while the general 
continued in his camp, actively engaged in preparing arrangements 
for the conveyance of the wounded to the High Hills, Marion and 
Lee, approaching the enemy's left, discovered that he had been bu- 
sily employed in sending off his sick and wounded, and that he w:is 
hastening his preparations to decamp. Despatching a courier to 
Greene vvith this information, the light troops made a circuit to fall 
into the Charleston road near Ferguson's swamp, and to take post 
on its margin ; being an eligible position for the accomplishment of 
the object in view. 

In our march we received intelligence that a detachment from 
Monk's Corner, led by major M'Arthur, was hastening to join Stew- 
That the thanks of the United States, rn Congress assembled, be presented to 
the brigade of North Carolina, for tlieir resolution and perseverance in attacking 
the enemy, and sustaining a superior fire. 

That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to 
the officers and men of the stnte corps of South Ccirolina, for the zeal, activity 
and firmness hy them exhibited throughout the engagement. 

That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presen'ed to 
the officers and men of the militia, who formed the front Ime in the order of bat- 
tle, and sustained their post with honour, propriety, and a resolution worthy of 
men determined to be free. 

Resolved, That a British standard be presented to major general Greene, as. 
an honourable testimony of his merit, and a golden medal emblematical of the 
battle and victory aforesaid. 

That major general Greene be desired to present the thHnks of Congress to 
captains Pierce and Pendleton, major Hyrne and captain Shubrirk, his airls de 
camp, in testimony of their particular activity and jood conduct during the 
vyhole of the battle. 

That a sword be presented to captain Pierce, who bore the general's des- 
patches, giving an account of the victory ; and that the board of war lake order 
herein. 

Resolved, That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be 
presented to brigadier general Marian, of the South Carolina militia, foi his 
wise, gallant and decided conduct in defending the liberties oi his country ; and 
particularly for his prudent and intrepid attack on a body of British troops, on 
iheSOth day of August last; and for the disUnguished part he toon in the battle 
of the Sth of September. 

Extract from the minutes, 

CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary. 



340 Memoirs of the War in the 

art. It wa? now deemed advisable to recede from the original pur- 
pose, and by a rapid, though circuitous movement, to gain a more 
distant position, with the view of striking at M'Artbur so far below 
the Eulaws as to put him out of possibihty of support from Stewart ; 
the commencement of whose retreat was momently expected. To 
accomplish this arduous movement in time, every exertion was 
made. Fatigued as the troops were, by their active service the 
day before, with the long morning's march through deep sand, and 
scorching heat, yet they gained the desired ground within the allot- 
ted time. 

But this oppressive march was useless Stewart hurried his pre- 
parations, and commencing his retreat on the evening of the 9th, 
had brought his first division within a few miles of M'Arthur, when 
the light troops reache<l their destined point. Thus situated, to 
fight M-Arthur became ra«h ; as it could not be doubted that he 
could an<l would maintain the action, until reinforced by Stewart. 
Marion and Lee wore compelled lo desis^t, and taking post at some 
distance in the woods, on the right flank of Stewart, they waited un- 
til the main body passed, hoping to strike successfully his rearguard. 

In the course of the morning of the 10th, the junction of M'Ar- 
thur was effected below Martin's tavern, and the British army con- 
tinued moving towards 3Ionk's Corner, which is one day's march 
from Charleston. 

Gaining the rear of Stewart, the legion dragoons were directed lo 
fall upon the cavalry attached to the rear guard. This was hand- 
somely executed by the van under captain O'Neal : he made most of 
the rear pirly prisoners, two or three escaping to the infantry by 
the fleetness of their horses. 

So evident was the dismay* which prevailed, that lieutenant co- 
lonel Lee not satisfied with this advantage, determined to persevere 
in pursuit with his cavalry ; hoping to find an opportunity of cutting 
off" the rearguard, with a portion of their wagons conveying the 
wounds d. 

Following until late in the evening, picking up occasionally the 
fatigued who had fdlen behind, and the stragglers ; he received in- 
telligence from some of the last taken, which determined him not 



* After the battle, lieutenant colonel Stewart ordered all tlie arms belonging 
to the (lead and wounded to be collected, whi'-h was accordingly done. When 
the army had marched off the ground, this pile of arms was set on fire by the 
rear guard. Many of the inuskeis being loaded, an irregular discharge took 
place, reseiiibliiig the desultory fire which usually precedes battle. The retreat- 
ing army at oncf presumed that Greene was up, and had commenced his attack 
on its rear. Dismay and confusion took place ; wagoners cut their horses UQta 
the wagons and rode off, abandoning their wagons. 

The fiillowers of t!ie army flrrt in like rnnnnpr, and the panic was rapidly 
spreading, when the firing in the rear ceased. Colonel Washington, who had 
been taken, though indulged with his parole, was accompanied by two officers. 
Tlii's-e gentlemen abandoned thd colonel and galloped off, not liking present ap- 
pearai\ces ; but as soon as the mistake was discovered, returned lo their prisoner. 
Washington, after his exchange, communicated these facts to his fiiend innj"! 
Fendleton, aid-de-ratnp to general Greene. 



Southern. Department of the United States, 341 

longer to postpone his blow. Detaching Eggleston with one troop 
on his right, to fail upon the flank, Lee, at the head ofthe other two 
troops, nrioved along the road to tbrce the enenriy in front. As soon 
as Eggleston had gained the desired situation tlie cha ge was sound- 
ed, and the cavalr^^ rushed upon the enemy. Unluckily the wood, 
through which Eggleston passed to the road, was thickly set with 
black jack, it became more difficult as you came nearer the road, 
and the rear otficer of the enemy forming his guard en potence, give 
the assailants a warm reception, fiying the moment he delivered his 
fire, yielding up several wagons. 

Eggleston and his troop were roughly handled ; his horse being 
killed, — himself happily escaping although five balls pierced hig 
clothes and equipments ; an unexpected issue, and which would not 
have taken pl.ice, had not the wood arrested his progress. Lee's 
squadron was very little injured, having none ofthe impediments (o 
encounter, which accidentally interfered with Eggleston. 1 lie suc- 
cess urned out to be useless, for the miserable wounded, supplicated 
so fervently to be permitted to proceed, that lieutenant ooioiiel Lee 
determined not to add to their misery, and to his trouble ; but takino- 
off his own wounded returned to Marion, leaving the wagons and the 
wounded to continue their route. 

Greene did n t reach the hostile camp in time to fall upon Stewart- 
and so expeditious was the progress of the latter, that every en« 
deavour to come up with him with the m,iin body, was nugatory. 

The British army took post at Monk's Corner, and general 
Greene returned to Eutaw Spring. Here he found some ofthe en- 
emy's wounded, — left because their condition forbad moving, — vvith 
some of his own in the same situation The necessary arrange- 
ments being made for the care and comfort of these unfortunate in- 
dividuals, the American general proceeded by easy marches to our 
favourite camp, the High Hills of Santee. 

This retirement from the field came indispensable ; not only 
. because of our diinmished force from the severe battle lately fought, 
but disease had resumed its vvasling havock, brought on by the foity- 
eight hours' hard service ; throughout which we were exposed to 
the sultry sun during the day, and to the heavy dew duiing the 
night. Never had we experienced so much sickness at any one 
lime as we did no»v ; nor was it confined to new levies, as was cus- 
tomary, but affected every corps ; even those most inured to military 
life, and most accustomed to the climate. Nearly one half of the 
army was disabled by wounds or fever, and among the last some of 
the best officers who had escaped in the action. General Greene 
happily enjoyed his usual health, and softened our misery by his 
care and attention. Litters were provided for those most afflicted, 
and all the comforts which the country afforded were collected, 
and reserved for the exclusive use of the sick and wounded. Oq 
the 18th we reached the High Hills, when permanent arrange- 
ments were adopted for the accommodation of the wounded for 
checking the spread of disease, and for the plentiful supply "of 
wholesome provisions. Marion and his militia, bemg habituated to 



^42 Memoirs of the War intkt 

the swamps of Pedee, were less affected by the prevailing fever, 
and continued on the south of the Congacfe, to protect tlie coiintrj 
ffom the predatory excursions of the enemy. 

The British army did not escape the insalubrity of the season 
and climate, and like its adversaries, was held quiet m quarters ; 
their chief attention too being called to the restoration of the sict 
and wounded. 

Upon lord Riiwdon's sailing for Europe, Cornwallis appointed 
major general Leslie, then serving under him in Virginia, to the 
command of the British troops in the Carolinas and Georgia ; but 
this officer did not reach Charleston for some weeks after the battle 
of the Eutaws. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

jf\. NEW scene now opened upon the American theatre. The 
expectation announced by the commander in chief (o the general in 
the South, previoiis to our decampment from the High Hills of San- 
tee, bec;m".e confirmed in the course of the last month. Admiral 
count De Barrels, the French naval commander on this station, 
communicated officially to general Washington, the resolution taken 
by the count De Grasse, commanding the French fleet in the West 
Indies, of sailing from Cape Francois, in St. Domingo for the Ches- 
apeake, on the 3d of August with a powerful fleet, having en board 
three thousand land forces. Charmed wilh the prospect of being 
enabled at length to act with the vigour congenial with his disposi- 
tion, Washington hastened his preparations to invest New York, as 
soon as the fleet of his most christian majesty should arrive. 
Nothing was wanting but one decisive stroke to put an end to the 
war, which his daily experience of the embarrassments attendant 
opon all the measures of congress, convinced hiiii was at this time 
indispensable to our flnal success. The nation was absolutely 
wearied out ; voluntary enlistments to fill up our ranks, had long 
since yielded to the enrolment of drafts from the militia for short 
periods of service, and this last resort had proved very inadequate. 
Reduced as had been our number of regiments, in consequence of 
the insufficiency of the annual suppiy of men, yet they remained 
incomplete. VVhen Washington took the field in June, his whole 
force (including the army under La Fayr-tte, the garrison of West 
Point, and a detachment of the New York line under brigadier 
Clinton, posted on the fronlier of that state,) amounted to some- 
thing more than eight thousand. His effective force, ready to act 
under his immi^diate orders, is rated at four thousand five hundred. 
Such was the humble condition of the main army, alter the most 
judicious, active and persevering efforts of the commander in chief 
throun;lKii)t the winter and spring, supported b^ congress, to bring 
'y6Ui t.he field a respectable force. 



Southern Department of tile United States. 243 

Diminutive as our army was, yet our capacity to subsist it was 
more so. Occasionally its separation became inevitable, to secure 
daily food ; and theretore we may congratulate ourselves that our 
ranks were not crowded. The four Eastern states, upon this, as 
upon many previous urgent occasions, took effectual measures to 
provide and to transport all the necessary supplies within their 
reach ; these consisted of meat, salt and liquor. Bread was still 
wanting; and this was procurable only from Pennsylvania and Ma- 
ryland, s© completely exhausted were the two stales of New- York 
and New Jersey ; having been, from 1776, the continued seat of 
war. 

The wicked and stupid system of coercion had been pushed to 
its extreme, and was at len<i;th necessarily abandoned ; hnvin"- be- 
come as unproductive as it had always been irritating. We had no 
money ; as our paper notes (so called) had lost every semblance of 
coin, except the name, and the credit of ihe Lrnited States had become 
the general topic of derision. 

Tender laws had been enacted t© support it ; but the more we 
attempted to compel the coy dame, the faster she withdrew from 
our embrace. Our credit became extinct ; and having nothino- but 
depreciated paper to offer in payment, poverty and distrust over- 
spread the land. 

Jn this distres-ing crisis congress came to the wise resolution of 
stopping the emission of paper, and substituted an annual requisition 
on the states for the means of supporting the war. Even this last 
resource failed to produce the intended effect, the states neglecting 
the calls of the federal head. Confusion and disorder had reached 
its height ; and Washington himself, the last to despond, began to 
apprehend that we should fail in protiting of the effectual and 
timely aid proffered by our ally, through our own incapacity and 
impotence. 

Soon after congress adopted the resolution aboVe mentioned, the 
finances of the nation were committed to the superintendence of an 
individual ; — a wise reform, too long delayed. 

Robert Morris, of Philadelphia, a member of congress from 
Pennsylvania, possessing a mind penetrating and indefatigable. — ^ 
who had passed from early life through the various grades of comr 
mercial pursuits, as distinguished by his enterprise and system, as 
by the confidence which his probity and punctuality had establish- 
ed^ — was happily selected to fill this arduous station. 

Compelled by the confusion and want which every where ex- 
isted, he entered upon the duties of his oflice sooner than he in- 
tended ; having on his acceptance stipulated for a limited suspen- 
sion, with the view of completing satisfactorily the various prere* 
quisite arrangements. 

Discarding considerations forcibly applying to his own reputatioa 
in this thi-eatening conjuncture, he immediately assumed his new 
Station, giving his entire attention to the restoration of credit. Pro- 
mulgating his determination to meet with punctuality every engage- 
ment, he waa sou^t with eagerness by all who had the means of 



344 Memoirs of the War in the 

supplying the public wants. The scene changed ; to purchase now. 
as heretofore to s«^ll, was considered the favour bestowed. Faith- 
fully pertornriing his promise, our wants began to disappear, and the 
military operations no longer were suspended by the want of ne- 
cessary means. 

To facilitate his efforts he very soon proposed to congress the 
formation ot" a national bank, which expedient was immediately 
adopted ; and this institution became a powerful engine to smooth 
the diffi ulties in his way. Nor was he less sagacious than fortu- 
naie in his measures to bring into use the annual contribution of 
Pennsylvania to the federal treasury, by undertaking to pay for the 
state the requisitions of congress, on beinj;: authorized to receive 
the taxes imposed by the legislature to meet the demand. This 
roasteily negotiation secured bread to the troops, the last important 
supply yet wanting, after the patriotic and successful efforts of the 
four New England states to furnish the other articles. 

Strong in his person;d credit, and true to his engagements, the 
superintendant became firmer every day in the public confidence ; 
and unassisted, except by a small portion of a small loan* graned 
by the couit of Versailles to the United States, this individual citi- 
zen gave food and motion to the main army ; provinj; by his conduct, 
that credit is the offi^pring of integrity, economy, system and punc- 
tuality. 

The apprehensions which had retarded for a time the contem- 
plated movements of the array vanishing, Washington crossed from 
the western to the eastern side of the Hudson river, having pre- 
viously directed the count de Kochambeau, commanding the French 
army, to move from Khode Island, As the count approached the 
confines of the state of New York, an officer was despatched to 
him, changing his direction with a view to bring him in timely sup- 
port of an enterprise on the eve of execution against some of the 
enemy's po?ts on York Island. The French general very cordial- 
ly and zealously pressed forward to contribute the desired aid ; but 
the |)rojected plan proving abortive, Washington fell back to the 
North river, where he was joined by the French army at Dobbs's 
ferry on the 6th of July. 

It having been seitled to strike at New York, in a conference 
which ensued between the allied generals, soon after the decision 
of the cabinet of Versailles to co-operate by sea in (he course of 
the following autumn, was known, all the measures hitherto adopt- 
ed pointed to this object. Of themselves they were sufficiently 
significant to attract the attention of sir Henry Clinton ; and he ac- 
cordingly sent orders to lord Cornwallis, to detach a considerable 
portion of his army to his support. Before this order was executed, 
sir Henry Clinton received a reinforcement of three thousand men 
from England, which induced him to counteract his requisition for 
n pari of the army in Virginia, and to direct Cornwalhs to place 

* Six millions of livres touinais, a part of which was applied to the purchasft 
of clothing for our army, and the balance was obtained by bills on Piiris. 



Southern Department of the United States. 345 

him«plf safe in some strong post on the Caes ipeake during the ap- 
proaching equinox, r<ja(iy to re.sufu^ oflensive operations as sooa 
as it should Ulow over. D -ticient as Washington was in ihe strength 
of hi* army, nnd app-iz-d (iial sir Henry Clinton, although hohiing 
in New York only four thousand five hundred regulars (exclusive 
of his laic reinforcement,) could augment his force with six thou- 
sand o*' the militia in the city and its environs ; he began to turo 
his attention to a secondary object, lest he might find the first im- 
practicable. The army of Coinwallis was the next in order as in 
consequence. He therefore a«.vised La Fayette, in Virginia, of 
the probability of this result; directing him to take his measures 
in time to prevent Coinwallis's return to North Carolina, should 
his lordship, appiehending the intended blow, attempt to avoid it 
by the abandonment of Virginia. 

Washington, now at the head of the allied army, for the first 
time durii g the war, held a force capable of continued offence. 

His effective streuijth was not more than nineteen thousand ;* 
but this body Viiijht be greatly augmented by the militia of New 
Jersey, New Yoik and Connecticut, as well as by the garrison of 
West-Point, and by the corps under briaiadier Clinton, still on the 
frontiers of the state. Nor can it be doubted that he would have 
received every possible aid to his operations, as the great boon for 
which he fought came into our po-^session by the fall of New York. 
Fixed in his resolution to hring to su'imission the first or second 
army of the enemy, he pressed forward his preparations for carry- 
ing New York (the object preferred) as soon as the naval co-opera- 
tion appeared. With this view, he took his measures with the 

* Congress had demanfied from the states an army of thirty-seven thousand 
men, to assemble in January. In May our whole force, from New Hampshire 
to Georgia, did not exceed ten thousand ; nor had we adequate supplies of pro- 
visions and clothing even for this small force. 

"Instead of having magizines filled with provisions, we have a scanty pit- 
tance scattered here and there in the different states. Instead of having our 
arsenals well supplied with military stores, they are ponrly provided, and the 
workmen all leavii.g them. Instead of having the various articles of field equip- 
age in readiness to deliver, the quaitermaster general is but now applying to 
the several states (as the dernier resort) to provide these things for their tmopa 
respectively. Instead of having a regular system of transportation established 
upon credit — or funds in the quartermaster's hands to defray the contingent ex- 
penses of it — we have neither the one nor the other ; and all that business, or a 
great part of it, being done by military impressment, we are daily and houily 
oppressinj^ the people, souring their tempers, nlienating their affections. Instead 
of having the regiments completed to the new establishments, (and which ought 
to have been so by the day nf , agreeahly to the requisitions of con- 
gress,) scarce any state in the Union has, at this hour, one eighth part of its 
quota in the field; and there is little prospect, that I can see, of ever getting 
more than half, la a xvord, instead of having every thing in readiness to take 
the field, we have nothing. And instead of having the prospect of a glorious 
offensive campaign before us, we have a bewildered and gloomy prospect of a 
defensive one; unless we shoulo receive a powerful aid of ships, land troops 
and money from our generous allies: and these at present are too contingent 
to build upon.'' Extract from Washington's Journal, published in Maishall's 
Life of Washington. 
44 



346 Memoirs of the War in the 

governors of the adjacent stiites for obtaining such auxiliary force 
as he mi^'it requiie; and he placed his army in convBiuent posi- 
tions to ■■\c{ iii iini-on either ajijainst New York or tilaien Island. 
The latter was certainly that which claimed primary attention ; as 
its possession by the allies gave a facility for naval co opeiHtion 
aj^ainst the city and harbour, as important to a combined etfort, as 
tending to hasten tlie surrender of the British aimy. 

Sir Henry Clinton was not inattentive to the cour-e selected by 
his enemy. 11-^ strengthened his corps on Staten Is'and, he strength- 
ened his post at Fauliis Hook, and he held in the city a p()rtion of 
his disposable force ready to reinforce either stauon which the 
progress of his adversary might render expedient. VVas'iington, 
persevering in his decision to bring to his aid the navy of our ally 
in the commencement of his assault, delermiiied rtrst to possess 
Staten Island. He therefore drew large bodies of his troops from 
the east of the Hudson, and pushed all the preliminary preparations 
for vigorous operations against that Island. Connecticut, always 
true to her principles, tvith the virtuous Trumbull at her head, was 
ready to till uj) with her hardy sons, the chasm in the line of force 
east of the Hudson ; and W.ishington had so often experienced the 
zeal and tideliiy of that brave and virtuous people, that he did not 
hesitate in reducing his force opposite to \ ork Island in order to 
strengthen himself in New .Jersey. 

This state had been roused to a higher pitch of enthusiasm in our 
just cause, by the predatory incur'^ions often repeated in the Sound 
since the expedition of sir Henry Clinton lor the relief of Rhode 
Island. She sent her fat beeves to feed us, and her willing sons to 
fight by our sides. 

Safe on the east of the Hudson, Washington continued to augment 
his strength on the west. 

This course of action was not only adapted to his present object, 
but was supported by the consideration that if events should com[)eI 
him to relinquish his design on New York, he would be more 
conveniently situated to press the destruction of the enemy in Vir- 
ginia. 

In accordance with his original design, the commander in chief 
continued to increase his means of commencing his operations with 
the reduction of Staten Island. Magazines of llour had been col- 
lected in the vicinity of Springfield, in Jersey ; to which place, 
about the middle of August, the line of that stale, with Hazen's re- 
giment, was detached, to cover the depot, and to hasten the comple- 
tion of houses and ovens then preparing to supply bread for the 
troops moving towards the Hudson, for the purpose of crossing into 
.fersey to the scene of action. The boats destroyed by Simcoe bad 
been replaced ; and all others which could be procured were 
now collected at places convenient to Staten Island, mounted . 
on wheels, ready for instantaneous conveyance, when requi- 
site to transport the army to the intended attack. The last divisioa 
ef the allies crossed the Hudson on the 25th, and assembling in the 



Southern Department of the United States. 34l 

neighboiirhoo'l of PuiMmiis, halted, waiting apparcnitly only for the 
arriv.tl of the Fiench lloet to advance upon Staten Inland. 

Late coinn)iiiiicati()!is vvllh aliniral connt de Barias evincing that 
the Ctiesapeake haii been selected by the count de Grasse as his 
point of destin ttion, and ttic short period allotted by tliat otiicer for 
his continuance on our coa'^t, more and moie impressed Washington 
with the proba liiity that he niiii,ht be compelled to relinq-jish his 
first object, and content himself with the second. Therefore, vvhile 
Stu-iousiy preparing to strike at New York, he never lost sii,ht of 
placing himself in the most eligible position to hasten to V^irginia, 
should be be coni|»eUpd to abandon that design. 

The force to be employed in the South, in the event of such a 
change in his plan, had now passed the Mudson, with its van near 
Sprinotield — detached thither, as has been mentioned, for the os- 
tpfisi' ic }>nrpf>se of protecting our magazine of Hour ; but in case 
Washington decided to turn his arms against Cornwallis, the advance 
of tliis corps had the double eflfect of contirming the appreliensions 
of sir Henry Clinton as to New Vork, and of pl.iciiig it nearer to 
Virginia. He r'>p^^uted his orders to La Fayette to lake measures 
to arrest Cornwaiiis, should he attempt to retreat to the Sooth ; and 
at tlie same time addressed governor Jetlorson, urging him to exert 
all his powers in preparing certain specified aids of men, provisions, 
wagons, and implomenfs, which the cnDJuocture demanded. 

Never was a game belter played ; and the final decision taken by 
the cointnaiider in chief to proceed against Cornwallis, grew out of 
three considerations, every one of which was weighty. Tije French 
admiral preferred the unfortified bay of Chesapeake to the fortified 
basin of New York for co-operation; the time appropriated tor the 
absence of his fleet trom the West Indies cotnporled more with un- 
dertaking the facile enterprise against lord Cornuallis, than the stub- 
born operation against New York ; and the expected reinforcements 
of the army had m a great dei^ree filled. When too the situation 
of the United States was brought into view — which was thoroughly 
understood by Washington — no doubt could remain of the propriety 
of changing llie scene of action from New York to Virginia. Year 
after year had t!ie hope been indulged of receiving adequate naval 
aid : at length its .ipproach was certain. To a|)piy it unsuccessfully 
would be productive of every possible ill ; and our debility forbad 
hazarding such an issue, great as might be the gun. Necessarily, 
therefore, did the commander in chief relinqni-h his first object. 

This change was communicated to count de B iiras. who, keeping 
liis fleet in readiness, sailed on the 25th with his >qu idron fir the 
Chesapeake, expecting to find there the count de Grasse, having in 
his care all the heavy ordoance and military stores for the intended 
operations. 

Pursuant to his plan, the count de Grasse left Cape Frangois 
early in August with twenty-nine sail of the line, taking umler con- 
voy a very large fleet of merclianlmen, richly laden, destined for 
Europe. As soon as the French admiral had placed his charge in 
safety, he steered with twenty-eight sail of the line for the Ciiesa- 



348 Memoirs of the War in the 

peake, trusting the fleet of merchantmen to the protection of one of 
his ships of the line and a few frigates.* 

The British admiral in the West Indies, jiir G. B. Rodney, had by 
his activity, cournge and succes* acquired con?ideral)Ie distinction ; 
but although advised by the British ministry of the intended visit of 
the French fleet to the coast of America, he seems to have neglect- 
ed or underrated Us eff"ect. He was led to this conclusion proba- 
bly by the persuasion that de Grasse never would trust the lich 
fleet in his care across the Atlantic to a single ship of the line and 
a few frigates ; but that he would guard it with an adequate convoy, 
which would necessarily bring his force to a size within the control 
of the squadron under admiral Graves, reinforced by that now » om- 
mitted by sir George to admiral Hood, with orders to has'en to the 
Chesapeake ; thus evincing his knowledge of the intention of his 
adversary Hood lost not a moment in executing his orHeis, and 
with press of sail shaped his course, at the head of fourteen sail of 
the line, for the Chesapeake, where he arrived on the 25th — the 
very day count de Barras left Rhode Island, and the last division of 
the American army, intended to act against Cornwallis, crossed the 
Hudson. 

Finding the Chesapeake empty, he continued along our coast, 
looking as he passed into the Delaware, which, like the Chesapeake, 
<vas unoccupied, and on (he 28th arrived at Sandy Hook Admiral 
Graves, thus strengthened, although he had with him but five ships 
of the line fit for service, put to sea on the same day ; hoping either 
to fall in with count de Barras — of whose departure from Rhode 
Island he was just apprised — or with the French West Jndit fleet, 
before the intendi'd junction could be effected. Most ruinous would 
have been the consequence had fortune favoured his attempt ; de 
Barras, conducting not only a very inferior squadron, but having in 
his care all the military supplies requisite for the attempt on the Bri- 
tish army in Virginia. 

He met with neither — de Barras having very judiciously avoided 
him by going far out to sea, and de Grasse having arrived in the 
Chesapeake on the 30th, long before the British admiral reached the 
latitude of the capes of Virginia. 

As soon as he anchored he was boarded by an oflicerfrom La Fay- 
ette, announcing his situation and that of the enemy. The count im- 
mediately deUiched four ships of the line to block up York river, 
and employed some of his frigates in conveying the marquis St Si- 
mon, with the French reinforcement under his orders, up James ri- 
ver, for the purpose of joining La Fayette. 

* To this admirable and judicious decision of the count de Grasse, we owe the 
propitious event which followed, and wliicli led to peace and independence. 

Very properly did congress take care of the relatives of the count when lately 
so oppressed with adversity. Sir G. B, Rodney was completely deceived : for 
he would not for a moment believe that the French admiral would risk such a 
valuable fleet with such slight protection, and therefore detached only fourteen 
sail of the line to our coast, which secured to our ally the naval ascendency so 
essential to our success. 



Southern Department of the United States. 349 

On the 5th of September the van of the Bntish fleet appeared off 
Cape Henry. De Gi isse waned vuiy to asceilam its character, 
douutfui whether it miglil not be the Frencli squadron Mom lUjode 
Island. Signals unanswered demoustratcjil tiiai the lleet wao Bri- 
tisl), and every mo ./enl brouglJi lato view aduitionai str*;ngih 

The doubt as to character bein^ removed, the i'reucii admiral 
took his part vvnh decision and gdllautry. He shpped caDle and put 
to sea, detei mined lo bring hi-* enemy to baltJe. i his was not dd- 
chned, although Graves had but nineteen stups of tiie line lo contend 
against twemy four. 

1 he ijpiuion of the day was unfavourable to the conduct of the 
British admiral, reprehending with aspeniy tiis mude ot entering 
into battle Hood vvith the van division leading handsomely in a 
compact tjody, was closing fast with the adverse fkei, wtien Uie ad- 
miral hoisted the sign.d to lack, throwing Hood ofi and putting 
Drake with the rear division ahead. It wa-. contended tnat, excel- 
ling in setiuian-^hip, and infei ior in number of ships, lie ought lo have 
supported Hood ; inasmucii as ne would tlius nave brougtit on ac- 
tion close in with the coast, which would have lessened the effect 
of fhe superior strength (o which he was opposed : whereas, by ihe 
course adopted, he indulged his adversary in gaming sea room, the 
object in view, indispensable to the lull application ot his superior 
force. 

If the suggestion be correct, the heavy disaster which ensued 
may be truly ascribed to this deviation Irom ttie track of genius. 
It is thus on sea as well as on lautl, that nations suffer oy jiot search- 
ing for superior talents when they stake themselves on ilie conduct 
of an individual. 

France and England have for centuries fuught by sea and by 
land. Each preserves it ancient system, improved by experience, 
adhering however to tirst principles long established. Ai sea the 
French strive to disable the vessel by destroying the masts and 
rigging. The English, on the contrary, ,im at the hull and press 
into close action, boarding as soon as possible. 

The Frencli theory seems to be supported by reason. For by 
diminishing the means of motion, which appears material, the ship 
is r- ndered unht for effective action and thrown out ot line ; we are 
consequeiidy leu to conclude that victory ought to follow the French 
system; but experience, the corrector of human calculations, proves 
the fail.icy of this conclusion. 

England has always beaten France at sea, and for a century past 
a drawn battle upon that element, with equality of force, seems to 
be ihe .tmost glory attainable by the latter. The English possess 
an advantage growing out of their extensive commerce, which must 
ever secure to that nation naval superiority, so long as such a stale 
of commerce shall continue. The British sailor is unequalled in 
Europe, nor will he be ever matched but by the American seamen 
who IS formed in the same manner. 

It is singular but true itiat the British genius seems latterly 
more to excel on the water than on the land. Whether this be the 



'S6Q ' Memoirs of the War in the 

result of her insular situation, which points to the ocean as the 
proper theatre lor private and pubhc exertion, or whetlser it be 
acciilent, remaius wrapt in doul>I ; but ior a long period there h-is 
been a striking disparity in the achievements, ot her adnjirals and 
generals, and this disparity has become more striking during the 
present war. * 

Foimerly slie could boast of her Marlborough, her Peterborough, 
and her Wolfe : latterly not a single soldier has appeared en'itled 
to the first rank. Yet she ;;bounds in good otlicers, and her soidierg 
equal any on earth. Coinwallis stands first in the last age ; but 
his exploits do not place him along side of Marlborough. Lord 
Rawdon's early seivicp gave high promise of future eminence ; 
but he has been permitted to waste his t. dents in retirement. 

France on the otrier hand shines on land. In every period of 
her history we find her marshals, consummate in the art of war, 
sustaining by their genius the sphndour of her arms. 

It is, perhaps, happy for the human race th;it neither nation is 
alike great on both elements, or the civilized world would again be 
brought under the yoke of one master, t 

Both tleets were now standing on the same tack, the British hold- 
ing what the sailor's call the weathergage. About four in the after- 
noon the leading divisions, with a lew ships of the centre, bore 
down upon each otlier, and fought with that determined courage 
which rivalry and discipline seldom fail to |)roduce. These were 
roughly handled, tlie re.'naioder never exchanging a ball The ap- 
proach of night put an end to thi^s |)arti.il engagement ; which, al- 
though the adverse lleets continued for four days near each other, 
was not renewed. Drake's division suffired considerably, so .mich 
so as to be deemed incapable of further action until refitted. One 
ship vvas so much damaged as to be abandoned and burnt. The 
French fleet did not sufl'er equally ; and, having the wind for f(iur 
days after the battle, might l-.iue readily renewed it 

Drawing off, de Grasse returned into the bay on the 10th, where 
he found his squadron fiom hbode l-land safely moored, v\ith the 
fleet of transports beaiing the battering cannon and other necessary 
implements of war. Adaiiii'l Graves, notwithstanding his crippled 
condition, approached the capes, when, finding the bay occupied 
by the whole navai iorce of the enemy, he bore away for New 
York. 

This battle, like most fought at sea, being indecisive, both sides 
as is common in such cases, claimed the victory. The British sup- 
ported iheir claim by the acknowledged fact, that the French admi- 
ral might at pleasure have renewed the action, and declining to do 
so, they contended he necessarily admitted his defeat VV^hereas 
the French maintained their title by the equally acknowledged fact, 

* Ttiis was written before the great victories of Wellington — Ed. 

+ "Aiid it came to pass in those Hays there went out a decree from Catsar 
Augustus that all tlie worlii should be taxed." St. Luke, ii. 1. — Give to the 
emperor of France the British fleet, and we shall soon read and feel a similar 
decree. , 



Southern Department of the United States, Sol 

Ihat they fought for the uiK^isturbod possession of the Chesapeake j 
its possession being necessary to the capture of a British army, the 
object which brought then) to the American coast ; and thai this 
possession was vielrled by the enemy's return into port. Nor caa 
a doul)t exist, if title to victory rests upon the accomphshment of 
the end proposed by biiZasding battle, that the Frencti admiral's 
pretensions upon this occasion are completely supported ; and, with 
his superioriiy of force, it was scarcely to be expected that a dit- 
ferent result couid occur. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

Jr^URSUING in appearance, with unrelaxed effort, those mea- 
sures which indicated an attempt u[)on Sfaten Isl tnd, and coolinuine 
to point tiie march of hi* troops towards that place to the last mo- 
ment, Washington suddenly turned bis back upon New-Yojk, di- 
recting his course for the Delaware, — having under him a detach- 
ment from the American army, consisting of Scamrael's light infan- 
try of the New England line. Angel's regiment of Rhode Island, 
Hazen's regiment, two regiments from the line of New York, the 
residue of the Jersey lino, and I^amb's regiment of artillery, amount- 
ing altogether to two tiiousand eti'ectives, with ttie French army 
under count Rochambeau. 

Sir Henrv Clinton seems to have !ieon so thoroughly persuaded 
that New York was the sole object of W^ashington, as to adhere to 
this conviction until he was assured that the van division of the al- 
lied army had a:liially passed (be Delaware. Then he discovered 
that the army in Virgirjia was tlie intended victim ; but, instead of 
instantly taking measures for its relief, be fell with fury upon Con- 
necticut,* vainly presuming that he would thereby recal Wjvshing- 
lon from the South, 

* A strong corps was placed unc'er general Arnold, who entbarking at New 
York went up llie soun.i. tie latidt-d at New London, where he h.id a consid- 
erable collection of naval stores. This town is situated on the west side of \ew 
Thames, und was defended by two forts, one called (ort Tiuuibull, and the oiher 
>Ort Griswokl. On the ajipearnuce of Arnold, fort Trumbull was evacutued 
and the garrison drawn itao furt (jriswoid, where lieutenant colonel Ledyard 
<:omiiianded with only one hundred a d si.xty men 

Lieutenant colonel Eyre, at liie head cf n-arly three regiments, summoned 
Ledyard to surrender, which being relused, Eyre advanced witn fixed bayonets. 
Never during the war was more gallantry divpiayed, than on this occasion, both 
by the assailant and the assailed. At len^fjii the Bitish made a lodgment ia 
our ditch, and forced their way by the bayonet ihrouih the embrasuros. Eyre 
was killed, as was major Montgomery, second in command, and neaily two 
hundi-ed privates were killed and woun'ted. The intrepid Ledyard, being over- 
powere.l, delivered his sword to the conqueror, who, to his eternal disgrace, 
plunged it into the bosom of his conquered antagonist. This bloody example 
was ioUowed, and the carnage wi:s continued by the sliughter of ihe gieater 
part of the garrison. Tiie town 'nd eveiy tiling in it was consumed by fire, 
believed by the Americans to be d /tie intentionally, but a»ciibed to accident bur 
the enemy. 



.352 Memoirs of the War in the 

Never was a military commander more completely deceived, 
whether we regurd sir Henry Clinton's conception of his enemy's 
design, or the mea?ures adopted with the view of ftiastrating that 
desii^n when discovered. 

It did not require any great cast of mind to perceive that New- 
York or Virginia must i>e the destined oi)ject ; inasmuch as the only 
force which could effectually co-operate with the navy of our 
ally was the army of VVashintiton and the army of count Rocham- 
beau ; one of which was encamped on the Hudson and the other 
at Rhode Island. The meaning of naval aid was to bring into ef- 
fectual action our land force. 

That effectual CO operation could not take place in the South: 
for there our force was not adequate of itself, and could not be 
reinforced in time by the march of troops from the Hudson The 
army in Virginia, though nearest to South Carolina, could not be 
moved without giving; up the sta^e This simple and concise view 
manifests that New York or Virginia only could be comprehended 
in 'he concerted plan ; and it could not be doubted, from our in- 
sufficient force, that one of the two, and not both, would employ 
our entire strength 

This being clearly settled, as it ought to have been, in the mind 
of the British general, what ought he to have suspected ? and what 
ought he to have done ? Certainly to have prepared m both points 
to baffle the attempt. 

Instead ot being over anxious for his own security, he ought to 
have been less attentive to himself, and more regardful of Corn- 
wallis. The post of New York was by nature strong, and had been 
annually strengthened, since its possession for six years, as experi- 
ence directed or leisure permitted. 

Lord Cornwallis had no foriitications but those which he could 
contrive in a few weeks with a diminished force ; obliged at the 
same time to attend to an enemy near to him, now almost equal in 
nuniber. and to procure food and forage. He ought, therefore, to 
have commanded tlie primary attention of Clinton, at least so far 
as to have placed him as safe as was practicable, with due regard 
to those operations intended to be pursued as soon as the limited 
suspension should cease. 

Instead of ordering Cornwallis to take post at Old Point Comfort, 
or some other suitable position on the Chesapeake, he ought to 
have directed him to select a situation on one of its rivers conve- 
nient to the resumption of offensive war upon the departure of the 
French fleet, and safe as to himself in case the naval ascendency 
of his enemy upon our coast should render retreat necessary. If 
necessary, this was only practicable by returning to North Caro- 
lina ; and, ther-^fore, the southern margin of James instead of that 
of York river, was the ground to which earl Cornwallis ought to 
have repaired, and very probably would have selected, had his in- 
structions permitted him a choice. City Point was suitable for 
the renewal of offence, and was convenient to North Carolina 
whenever retreat became unavoidable. The force to be dreaded 



Southern Departmenl of the United States. 55S 

was that under W;!shir!g(on ; and ii? soon as Comwallis Ip;irnt that 
(he roiiibiuf-d army w.t? p;i«sing the Delaware, he had only to fall 
back ujion the Komoke. and the mijihty effort wotiM have beea 
b ifHed. La Fayette and the m uquis St. Simon nevei- could have 
effected a junction — (Cornwailis ai City Point) — i'ut on ihe north 
side of James river ; and that junction was not very readily to be 
accomplished in the peniu'^iila made by James and York rivers, his 
lord*hip havint;, as he would h-tve, an easy and adequate boat con- 
veyance across the James river. 

The ^afe route of jimction was circuitous. St. Simon landing at 
West Point on York River, from thence might, without ciiance of 
being struck, have united with L^i Fayelte in the vicuiity of Rich- 
mond ; or, passing the river there, proceeded to Petersburg, had 
the American general taken that position for the purpose of arjest- 
ing Cornwalli.-i's retreat. The progress of St. Simon could not 
have been concealed from the British general, nor could that of 
the commander in chief, as well as the disposition made by La Fay- 
ette. In his camp at City Point he would with ease have outstrip- 
ped the two lirst, and, forcing La Fayette from his front, made good 
his^ passage of the Roanoke, before, strengthened by St. Simon, La 
Fayeite could h ive approached him. Even had they closed upon 
him, he was nearly equal to them both, and at the head of troops 
inured to hard sei vice, and familiar with battle. 

Washington, finding the enemy out of reach,* would have re- 
traced his steps ; and the French admiral, foiled in his expecta- 
tions, would have returned as soon as St. Simon could reach the fleet. 

Had a Turrenne or a Marlborough, a Conde or a Wolfej com- 
manded at New York, City Point or Flowery Hundred, and not Lit- 
tle York, would have been the position of the hostile army in Vir- 
ginia. 

September. The allied army pressed its march with all possible 
despfltch ; and the van division re<iching Elkton, embarked in trans- 
ports collected for its conveyance. Tlie centre division continued 
its march to Baltimore, where it also embarked; and the remainder 
of the troops and some of the baggage proceeded by land through 
Alexandria and Fredericksburg. 

Washinsrton, having finished his arrangements for the movement 
to Virginia, hastened lo the theatre of action, accompanied by the 
count Rochambeau. 

He arrived at Williamsburg, now the headquarters of La Fayette, 
on the 14ih ; and proceeding to Hampton, attended by the gene- 

* Washington's solicitude to take care of West Point was uncpasing, and 
vould have infallibly recalled him to its virinity, as soon as he despaired of 
overtaking Comwallis. 

+ This superior soldier fell in the impoitant victory which he gained on the 
Heis;htsof Abraham, in the year 1759, when he was thirty-six years of age. 
Had he lived he would hHve been fifty-two in the beeinning of our war, and 
very probably would have been plared at the head of the forces sent to America. 
His letter, written a few days before his death, portray-^ his vast genius, and it 
is inserted in the appendix for the edifitatien of my miliiitry readers,, 6te Ap- 
pendix R. 

.45 



3.54 Memoirs of the War in the 

taU Rochambean, Knox, Chatellenx, and D;) Fortail, went on board 
the Ville de Paris, whfiii the plan of siefj;G was concerted with ihe 
count de Grasse. Some ditlictilty occmTed in preventing the count 
tVotn quitliiiif the. Chesapeake to block up the enemy's fleet in the 
harbour ot' N^w York, a measure which seems to have fastened 
itself upon hi.-- miiul. 

This decision was founded upon information he had just received 
of Ihe arrival of admiral Dit^by with six ships of the line, which 
induced him to conclude that he should be soon visited a second 
time by his enemy ; and, therefore, he determined to quit the Ches- 
apeake. ()referring to hold the hostile fleet in its own port, rather 
than to be shut up him>e!f 

There seems to be a palpable contradiction in the conduct of the 
admiral when latp close to bis enemy oil' the capes of Virginia and 
his pres'.^nt decision. He held the wind, as has been mentioned, 
fot f'ou" days tfter the action ; which, though not a decisive circum- 
st;)nce, was rei taiuly ftvourable to him, and yet he would not renew 
the battle ; but widely determining to avoid hazarding the great ob- 
ject in view, drew cff fioio bis crippled adversary, and regained the 
Chesapeake. Now when the preparations for the execution of the 
concerted enterprise were concluding, and the commander in chief 
had reached the ground ready to begin his work, the count adopts 
the very measure he had before renounced, and goes in quest of his 
reinforced enemy — viiinly presuming that he would shut him up in 
port, putting to hazard the sure and splendid prospect before him, 
and converting eventually certain triumph into disgrace if the Bri- 
tish aduiiral, by iiis superior seamau'^hip, by the shift of wind or 
any other of the incidents common to war, should cut him off from 
the Chesapeake ; an event much to be apprehended, had the con- 
templated movement been attempted. 

VVashirigton received with surprise and regret the annunciation 
of the count's intention; and, discerning in it every possible ill, 
with no probable gootl, resisted the project with his whole weight. 
He prevailed : and the count, relinquishing ima^iinary naval triumph 
off Sandy- Hook, took a permanent station with his fleet in the bay ; 
resolved not to hazard for the hope of success off New York a 
victory witliin his grasj), as splendid and as powerful in its effects. 
To strengthen his station the admiral, having disembarked a body 
of marines, connnerictKl the erection of a battery for heavy ord- 
nance on Old Point Comfort, which is the northern promontory of 
James river. 

The weight of Washington's character, as well as the soundness 
of his judgtjient, are both illustrated by this circumstance. The 
count, from what followed, seems to have been peculiarly attached 
to the line of conduct then contemj)lated, and which he renounced 
in obedience to the judgment of Washington Soon after his re- 
turn to the West Indies, he invested (in conjunction with the mar- 
qui- de Bouille, commanding the army of Franci') the Island of St. 
Christopher. 

Having landed the marquis and his army, he anchored his fleet, 



Southern DepaHment of the United States. 355 

consistiiis if thirty two ships of the line, in Bussfterre road. Ad- 
miral Hood, who h;ul fou:i,ht him under Giavts, hearing of IIm' de- 
scent upon St. Christopher, sailed at the iie id of twenty-two ships 
of the line wi(h a determination to relieve the Island if {xacticable. 
As s«on as Hood appeared olf Ba^>eterre road, de Grasse left his 
anchorage }:;round, standing out for sea to av.iil himself of his supe 
rior force Hood, deli^jhted with the movement of his adversary, 
continued in line of battle, as if ready to engage ; drawin;^ further 
and further from the shore until he had decoyed the French admi- 
ral to the <lesired distance, when with press of sail he passed him 
with his whole fleet unhurt, and seized the anciiorage ground which 
de Grasse had left. 

Thus actti illy happened what Washington's penetrating mind 
suggested as possible, and which, taking place in the Chesapeake, 
would have given safety to the falling army. 

The last division of the allied army arrived on the 25th, four 
weeks from the dav our rear passed the Hudson river, and liebark- 
ing at Bnrwell's ferry upon James river joined in the neighbour- 
hood of Williamsburgh. 

Our whole force being now collected, moved on the 'i3th, in four 
columns, and sat down in front of the enemy, two miles from him ; 
the Americans forming its right and the French its left. 

Lord Cornwallis, adhering to his instructions, had directed his 
whole attention and labour to the completion of his tbrtirications ia 
bis position at Yoik and Gloucester. These were by no means 
perfected, and consequently still engaged bis unwearied exertions. 

On the side of York, which is a small town on the southern banks 
of the river whose name it bears, more remarkable tor its spacious 
and convenient harbour than for its strength ot uround in a military 
point of view, batteries had been erected to co opiuate with the 
naval force in tiie protection of the harbour, and a line of circuin- 
vallation had been cut in front of the town, beginning on a small 
gut which falls into the river on its upper side, and terminating in a 
deep ravine below the town. This hoe was defended by redoubts 
and batteries, united by communications and strengthened by tosses 
and abbatis ; and the heights on the opposite side of the gut or 
creek were fortified, commanding thoroughly the gorge of land 
made by the river and the creek. 

In front of the intrenchmenis surrounding the town, the last re- 
sort of the British general, was another line of ledoubis aixi field 
works, judiciously arranged to co-openite with the army in baiiie, 
should the allies deter.nine to force it to withdraw from the field. 

Gloucester Point, opposite to York town, was al»o fortified; not 
only us a necessary appendage to York, and contributing to the pro- 
tection of the harbour, but as it was convenient to u tertile country 
where forage for the cavalry miglit be abundantly proriired, and 
attorded ttie most likely point of junction for the promisf^d relit r. 
Here the works were finished, and the post was committed to lieu- 
tenant colonel Dundas, with a few infantry and all the cavalry. 

Under cover of the outer range of protection Cornwallis was en- 



356 Bfemoirs of the War in the 

camped, flattering himself in the presntrptlon that his enemy, trust- 
ing (0 his superior numbers and solicitous to hasten his subini?s on, 
would attempt by storm to dijflodge him. He entertained the hope 
that, support? d as he was by his redoubts and fleches, he should be 
able to withstand ine assault ; and might, by the intervention of 
some of those lucky incidents which oiten happen in battle, strike 
his enemy so seriously as to retard con^^iderably, it not defer fjf 
ever, his approaches. No opportunity was allowed for the indul- 
gence of this expectation ; and the character of Washington forbad 
much reliance on this hope, as he was never known to commit to 
the caprice of fortune what was attainable by obedience to the 
mandate of reason. 

In the coursi of the evening a messenger arrived from sir Henry 
Glmton with despatches to his lordship, dated the twenty fourth, 
communicating the result of a council of war, held on that day, con- 
sisting of the general and fl .g officers, ivherein " it was agreed that 
upwards of five thousand troops should be embarked on board the 
king's ships ; that every exertion should be male both by the army 
and nav^ to relieve him ; and th it the fleet, consisting of twenty- 
three sail of the line, might be expected to start on the 5(h of Oc- 
tober." Strong as was this assurance, it derived additional strength 
from the postscript, annosincing the arrival of admiral Digby ; inas- 
much as having determined to h tzard the fleet and army, the deter- 
mination becaaie fortified by the accession of strength where it was 
roost wnnted. 

Cornwalh-^, yielding to a<5surances too solemn to be slighted, as 
well as conforming to the spirit of hi-* orders, renounced his inten- 
tion of di-;puting the advance of (lis adversary ; and, giving up his 
fortifi('d camp, retired in the night to his town position — never doubt- 
ing that the promissed relief vvould ''start"* on the appointed day, 

♦ Copy of a letter from sir Henry Clinton to earl Cornirallis, dated 

JVeu) York, September 24, 1781. 
My Lord : 
I was lionoureH yesterday witti your lordship's letter of the l(5ih and 17th in- 
stant; and, at a mnpiing of the grneral and flag officers helii this day, it is de- 
te .nined that above five thousand men, rank ano file, shall be embarked on 
board the kind's ships, and the joint exertions of the navy and army made in a 
few d'ly^ti) relieve you, md a.'ierwards co-opeiate with you. 

The fleet consists ol twenty three sail of tlie line, three of which are three 
deckers Tneie is every reason to hopt- wo stait from hence the 5th of October. 
1 have received your lordship's letter of the 8tl) inst<int. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 

H, CLINTON. 

P. S. Admiral Digby is this moment arrived at the Hook, with three sail of 
the line. 

At a venture, without knowing whether they can be seen by us, I request, 
ibat, if all is well, upon hearing a considerable firing towards the entrance of 
tlip Ch*-sapeake, tinee laige separate smokes may be made parallel to it ; antt 
if you possess the post of Gloucester, four. 

I .shall send another runner soon. 

H, CLINTON. 



Southern Drpariment of the United States. 351 

and well assured that it" it did, he should be able to siistHin himself 
until it ;i]»pe :m;d ; when presuming that a s^enei-il battle would en- 
su»^, he f uii-iideieil it to be his duly in the ruean time to preserve 
rather ihrtii rripple hi- force. 

His lord^htp's conclusion was certainly correct, disastrous as was 
the consf-qiien-.e of his mistaken confidence. 

This no(tuinal aiovnient did not pass unperceived by our 
guards ; and lieutenant colonel Scammel, o}{i,;er of the day, put him- 
self al the head of a reconnoitring [>arty with the dawn of light, to 
ascertain its character and extent. Advancing close to the enemy's 
posit'oo, he fe II m uitb a detachment of the legion dragoons, who 
ii.stai.Uy charged our party. 

In ti.e rencontre, Scammel was mort-i!!y wounded and taken. He 
soon expired. This was the severest idow experienced by the al- 
lied army tiiroughout the siege : not an officer in our army suipas- 
sed m personal worth and professional ability this experienced 
soldier. 

He had served f'om the commencement of the war in the line of 
New Hampshire ;* and when colonel Fickf^ring, adjutant general 
of the army, sucreeded general Greene as quartermaster general, 
lieutenant colonel Scammel was selected by the commander in chief 
to till that important and confidential station — from which post he 
hv.d la:e!y relired, for the purpose of taking an active part, at the 
head of a battalion of lii;ht troops, in the meditated operation. 

When the «llies moved from VVilliamsburgh, general Choise (of 
the army of count Rochambeau) atteniie i by the infantry of the duke 
de Lauzun's legion, which had disembarked on the 2od, was detach- 
ed across Yotk river to take comin.md of the corps in iVont of Glou- 
cester Point, w ith orders to stop eifectually the supplies still partially 
collected from the country by the enem> . 

General Choise reached on the next day the camp of Weedon, 
and took the command of the combined troops. 

The duke de Lauzun, with his cavalry, had reinforced general 
Weedon some days before. .Joined now by his infmtrv, and 
strengthened by a select battalion unc'er lieutenant colonel Mercer, 
this corps composed (under the orders of the dnke) the van of 
Choise, who prepared forthwith to est</bii«h himself close to Glou- 
cester. He v/as a^,ain reinforced by one thousand of tiie French 
marines; which, added to the legion of Lanzun (about seven hun- 
dred, horse and foot.) and to the militia ol Wt^eiioo, gave a tof;;J of 
three thousand dve hundred effectives. On the evening of the 2d 
of October, the post of Gloucester was strengthened by lieutenant 
colonel Tarleton, with his legion an. i mounted iorantiy. Lieutenant 
colonel Dundas moved with the dawn on the morning of t'se 3d, at 
the liead of a great portion of his garrison, to make a grand forage. 
The wagons and bat horses were loaded thr-ic miles from Glouces- 
ter before ten o'clock, when the infantry covering them commenced 
(heir return. On the same morning, and at an early hour, the corps 

* He was a native of Massachusetts. 



358 Memoirs of the War in the 

of Choir^e was put in motion, for the eseculion o^ his plan of close 
iavestiture. Count UiUon, with a squadron of Liuzuu's clrasioun* 
and Mercer's infantry, took the York river road ; while general 
Cboi.se, with the main body of lii? infantry, seconded by bris^adier 
Weedon, and preceded by the duke de Lauzun with the remainder 
ol his cavalry, moved on the Severn road. These two roads unite 
in a long lane, nearly four miles from Gloucester, with inclosed 
iields on each side. Passing through the lane, you arrive at an 
open tield on your ri^ht and a copse of wood on your left, lining 
the road for half a mile, where it terminated at a small redoubt lac- 
ing the ro-d, 

Choise, in his advance, was informed that the enemy's cavalry 
were in front ; and being desirous of striking them, he pressed for- 
ward with his horse, ordering Dillon and lieutenant colonel Mercer 
to hasten their junction with him. The rapid push of the cavalry 
left the main body of our infantry far in the rear; Mercer's corps 
only was in supporting distance. 

Dillon, with his cavalry, met the general, with the duke de Laa- 
zun, at the mouth of the lane. The united body of dragoons ad- 
vanced down the lane, through which the British cavalry had just 
passed, proceeding leisurely towards ca up, to give convenient time 
for the faraging party's return to Gloucester, when lieutenant Ca- 
meron, commanding the rear guard, communicated the appearaoce 
of the Frencii dra^^^oons. This was soon confirmed by the approach 
of our van ; upon which the main body of the enemy's horse halted 
and formed in the wood Lieutenant colonel Tarleton advanced 
with a part of his horse upon us, and was instantly charged by the 
French cavalry, when one of the enemy's horses was wounded by 
a spear,* and plunging overthrew Tarleton's horse. 

The main body of the British horse pressed forward to support 
their commandant, but could not force the French dragoons. Fal- 
ling back they were pursued by our cavalry, and took shelter un- 
der cover of their infantry, arrayed in the wood on one side, and 
along a post and rail fence on the other side of the road. 

This line of infantry oj^ened their fire, and Choise in his turn re- 
ceded, but slowly, and in good onier. The infantry pressing for- 
ward under cover of the wood, and incessantly delivering their fire, 
galled us considerably ; when the French general discovering the 
corps of Mercer just emerging out of the lane, threw himself by a 
rapid evolution into its rear, and faced about to renew the conllict. 

Tarlelun having rallied his cavalry, hastened up to the infantry, 
still adv.mcing in tlie woods, and resting his right tlank upon its left, 
came forward in point of time jusi as Mercer entered through the 
lane into the field. Mercer instantly deployed, stretching iiis left 
into the woods, and opened his fire upon the horse opposite to his 
right, and upon the infantry in front of his left. 

No regular corps could liave maintained its ground more firmly 

*■ A pait of ihe duke de Lauzuu's regiment (called hnlans) wrre aimed \vit!> 
s^iears. 



Sbuthern Department of the United States. 359 

than this baltalion ot our infantry. It broiiejht the enemy to pause, 
which was «oon followed tiy his retreat. When Tarleton drew off, 
the corps of Mercer hiui expended nearly all its cartridges. Choise 
established himself on the contested ground, and commenced a ri- 
gid hlockade of the post of Gloucester, which continued to the end 
of the siege. 

Lieutenant Moir, of the infantry, was killed within a few paces 
of our line ; besides whom the enemy lost eleven rank and file, as 
stated by lieutenant colonel Tarleton, who puts down our loss at 
two oflicers and fourteen privates. 

Choise's infantry not having 3et got up, he did not think proper 
to renew the attack without them, inasn.uch as the enemy's whole 
force might he readilv brought to sustain the retreating corps. 

General Washington, in his orders of the 4tb, speaks in handsome 
terms of the behaviour of this portion of the allied troops, and re 
turns his thanks to the cavalry of the duke de Lau/,un, and to the 
grenadiers of Mercer, which constituted the whole of our force en- 
gaged. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton is extremely mistaken when 
he supposed that the main body of the investing corps was up. The 
infantry of Lauzun were the tir.'rt which approached , they joined 
in thirty or forty minutes after the enemy retreated, followed by 
the marines and the militia under Weedon. 

As soon as the retirement of t^ornwallis fi om his outer position 
was discovered on the subsequent morning, Washington occupied by 
a forward movement the abandoned ground, ready to open his 
trenches whenever th.e ordnance and other requisite implements 
should arrive. Indefatigable as were his exertions to hasten their 
conveyance from the transports lying in James river, only six miles 
from him, it was not accomplished unlrl the 6th of October, the day 
after that assigned by sir Henry Clinton for the departure of the ar- 
mament from Sandy Hook destined to relieve the besieged army. 

The course of our first parallel being ascertained, the working 
detachment took its post vvith the fall of night, covered by the requi- 
site guards. Commanded to preserve prolound silence, which or- 
der, applying so forcibly to every man's satiety, was implicitly obey- 
e<l, no discovery of our beginning labours took place until the light 
of day showed them, vThen by the zeal of the troops they had nearly 
covered themselves. Cornwallis now opened his batteries, but so 
well improved !iad been the night as to render his fire unavailing. 
Our soldiers sinking themselves lower and lower, we completed our 
first parallel with a loss short of thirty killed and wounded, which 
fell chiefly upon our left. Before tlie lOfh our batteries and re- 
- doubts appeared along the fosse, many of them mounted, which 
opening in succession, soon began to manifest the superiority sure to 
accrue to the besieger possessing adequate means, and coiiductiug 
those means with sagacity and diliaence. The slender defences op- 
posed to us began to tumble under the demolishing hi e. The loss of 
time sustained in bringing our cannon six miles, was amply compen- 
sated by the effects of the wise determination to [mt the issue of 
the siege on heavy metal. Cornwallis still looked vvith UHdirainishpd 



560 Memoirs of the War in the 

confidence for the promised relief, and wisely adhered to his plan, 
s;ning his troops for the battle to be fouo;ht as soon as i^ir Hr-nry 
Clinton should reach him Yet he exerted himself to connteract 
our appro irh, by repaiiiug in the night the diLspidatious of the day, 
and by opening new embrasures throughout his line in support of 
his defences. All our batteries on the tirst parallel being complet- 
ed, and mounted in the true style, (weight and not number the 
standard,) the lite on the 1 Uh and 12th tore to pieces most of the 
enemy's batteries, dismounting their ordnance in every direction. 

So powerfiii was the effect of our first parallel, that our shells and 
red hot balls in this range of d*-struction reached even the small navy 
in the harbour, setting fire to and destroying the Charon, the larg- 
est ship, a ibrty four gun frigate, with three transports. 

Coriiwallis savv his fate from this first display of our skill and 
strength, and if left to his own means, would h tve resorted to his 
own mind for safety : but not doubting that the [iromised relief must 
soon arrive, he determined, as was his duty, to wait the timely in- 
terposition of his commander. 

Washington discovering the effect of his first parallel, could he 
have depended on the French superiority at sea, would probably 
have spared the labour which afterwards ensued: for Cornwallis was 
now destroyed, un'ess relieved, or uidess his own genius couid effect 
his deliverance. The American general therefore adhering to his 
sjstem of leaving nought to fortune, which h/oour and judgment 
could secure, conliiiued to urge his operations, and in the night of 
the 11th opened his second paialiel. The same order was given, 
commanding silence ; and its observance being more cogent from 
the increased [xoxitnity to the enemy, (now within three hundred 
instead oisis hundred yards.) our trench was ncaily complf^ted be- 
fore the dawn of diy ; manifesting to the Brilisfi general how far we 
surpassed, in this second effort, that zeal displayed in our first at- 
tempt, great as it wa<. Surprised at the unexpected condition in 
which he lound hiniielf, he urged with redoubled vigour the repairs 
wherever requisite, and strcnglhened his advanced works. This 
was the moiriuig of the seventh day since sir Henry Clinton was to 
"start" with his relief" navy and army." Cornwallis continued to 
believe in the assurance, and with unappalled cotjrage determined 
to maintain his lines. Ilis battery and his two front redoubts opened, 
and during thi'* day his fire most injured us. Many of our soldiers 
were kilhul and wounded. Nevertheless our parallel advanced, 
and our batteries began to show themselves, )>ct his two redoubts 
continued their fire with severe effect. 

Washington de-termined to silence them with the bayonet, and 
accordingly on the 14th directed two detachments to be held ready ; 
the ri"ht from the corps of La Fayette, and the left as the count de 
Rochambeau should designate. La Fayette conducted in person the 
assault on our right, and the baron de Viomenil that of our left. 
Blajor Campbell, with sixty men, (as was afterwards ascertained,) 
defended the fii«t, and li*utenant colonel Johnson, with one hundred 
and twenty men, defended the second redoubt. Lieutenant colonel 



Southern Department of the United States. 361 

Hamilton, (formerly aid de-camp to the commander in chief*) con- 
ducted tlie van of La Fayette, as did that of ViomeniL 

Having removed to iheir respective posts as soon as it was dark, 
they advanced to the attack by signal at an early hour in the night. 
Hauulton, with his own and Gunat's corps of lii;ht infantry, rushed 
forward with impetuosity. Pulling up the abbatis and knocking 
do \n ttie palisades, he forced his way into the redpubt ; having de- 
tached lieuten»nt colonel Laurens, (aid-de-camp to the commander 
in chief,) vvith two companies of li^ht infantry, to gain the leir, and 
enter m that quarter. The resistance of the enemy was instantly 
overpowed : the major, with every man of his guard, except six or 
seven, *vere killed or taken, and the prisoners tixpeiienced t'lat 
marked humanity from the conqueror so uniformly displayed by the 
Aaiencans in victory. This too when the horrid and b.irb irous out- 

* All unhappy difference had occurred in the transaction of business between 
the general and his much respected aid, which occationed the latter to »^ilh- 
dravv from hiii family. A few days previous to this lime, Hamilton had been 
eiig:igp<l all the morning in copying sonje despatches, which the general, when 
about in take his usual rounds, directed him to forward ^^ snon as finished, 

Washington fin iinu on his leturn the despatches on the table, riMiRwed his di- 
rections in expressions indicating his surprise at the dela}' ; and again leaving 
his apaitment, found, when he returned, the despatches where he had left them. 
At this time Hamilton had gone out in search of the courier, who had been long 
waiting, when accidentally he met the marquis La Fayette, whoseizini^ him by 
ttie button (as was the habit of this ze.ilous nobleman,) engaged him in conver- 
sation ; whicti being continued with the marquis's usual earnestness, dismissed 
from Hamilton's mind for some niinutt-s the object in view. At length breaking 
off from the marquis he reached the courier, and directed him to come forward 
to receive his charge and orders. Returning he found the general seated by the 
table, on which lay the despatches. The moment he appeaii-d, Washingtonj 
with warmth and sternness, chided him for the delay ; to which Hamilton mildly 
rsplicd, stating ihc cause; when the general, rather irritated than mollified, 
sternly lebuked him. To this Hamilton answered, "If your excellency thinks 
proper thus to address me, it is time for me to leave you.'' He proceeded to th« 
table, took lip the despatch, sent off the express, packed up bis baggage, and 
quitted heaiiquarters. 

Although Washington took no measures to restore him to his family, yet he 
treatert him with the higiiett respect ; giving to him the command of a regiment 
of light infantry, which now formed a part of La Fayette's corps. 

In the airangements for the assault of the redoubt, La Fayette had given his 
van lo his own aid de-camp, lieutenant colonel CJimat ; but it being Hamilton'! 
tour of duty, he remonstrated to the marqui.s upon the injustice of such p'tfer- 
ence. La Fayette excused himself by saying, thut the arrangements marie had 
been sanctioned by the commander in chief, an.i could not be changed by him. 
This no iioubt was true ; hut Washington did not know that any officer had been 
called to command out of tour. 

Hamilton, always true to the feelings of honour and independence, repelled 
ihi; answer, and left the marquis, announcing his determination to appeal to 
headquarters. This he accordingly did, in a spirited and manly letter. Wash- 
ington, incapable o/ injustice, sent for the marquis, and inquiring into the fact, 
found that the tour of duty belonging to Hamilton had been given tn Giniat* 
He instantly directed the marquis to reinstate Hamilton, who consequently was 
pui at the head of the van, which he conducted so advantageously to the ser» 
▼ice and so honourably to himself. 

This anecdote whs communicated to the writer by lieutenant colonel Hai^^iK 
ton| duiiug the tiege of York Town. 
4.6 



362 Memoirs of the War in the 

rnge committed at fort Griswold in Connecticut, (in the late opera- 
tions of sir Henry Clinton in that !«tcite,) was fresh in our memory. 
Only ei^ht of the enemy were killed, while our own loss wa* nine 
killed and thirly-two wounded : among the latter wa'* captain Ste- 
phen OIney, of the lUiodc Inland regiment, whose zeal and intrepi- 
dity upon this, as upon every other occasion, had placed him high 
in the esteem of tb.e general and army. La Fayette instantly des- 
patched major Barbour, one of his aids, to the baron de Viomenil, 
couimunicaUng his success. The ba. on, ready for the assault, was 
waiting to give time to the axe and fascine men to cut down the pa- 
lisades and till up the fosse ; when, astonished at the int' lligence 
received, he announced it in a loud voice to his troops, ordering 
them to advance. This vvas done with the ardour of Frenchmen ; 
and although here tlie resistance was m'lch more formidable — the 
enemy bemg dou' le in number, and apprised of our approach — still 
the intrepidity of the assailants was irresistible. The commandant 
escaped, leaving halt his force (about sixty) in our possession ; of 
these eighteen were killed. Our loss was severe, being one hun- 
dred killed and wounded. Thus did Viomenil honour the bill drawn 
upon him by La Fayette.* 

Wa>hington was highly gratified with the splendid termination of 
this double assault, and was very liberal in his compliments to the 
troops engaged ; noi- did he omit to avail himself of the opportunity 
whicli it presented of cherishing that spirit of concord, good will 
and mutual contiden.e between the allied troops, so essential to 
the common cause. He thus concludes bis order of thanks : '> The 
general retlects with the highest degree of pleasure on the conti- 
dence which the troops of the two nations must hereafter have in 
each other. Assured of mutual support, he is convinced there is 
no danger which they will not cheerfully encounter, — no difficulty 
which they will not bravely overcome." 

Nothing could exceed the vigour with which our operations were 

. pushed, so conijjletely had Washington int"used into the mass of the 

troops his own solicitude to bring the siege to a conclusion. Before 

daylight the two redoubts were included in our second parallel, 

which vvas now in great forwardness. 

Cornwallis saw witli amazement the fruit of our night's labour, 
and was sensible of his condition. Ten days had elapsed since the 
promised armament was to have sailed, and as yet it had not ap- 
peared off the Capes, nor had his lordship been informed of the 
cause of the unexpected and torturing delay. Persuaded that his 
relief could not be remote, he determined for once to depart from 
the cautiv)us system enjoined by his expectation of succour, and to 

* Louis XV, after gaining the battle of Fontenoy, despatched M. de la Tour 
With tlie inlellioence to liis ally the great Fiederirk. La Tour reached the king 
of Prussia passing at the head of h<s army the defiles of the mountains in Upper 
gilesia near the village of Friedburgh ; where in a few hours he attacked the 
Austrian army, and gained a sign.il victory, which he announced to the kirtg of 
Frrnce by M. de la Tour in the following words: "The bill of exchange which 
rou drew on me at Fontenoy, I have paid at Friedburgh.'>— Voltaire. 



Southern Department of the United States. SS8 

iresorl to his h.ihit ot bold enterprise ; hoping thtt by n-tardi'.g our 
advance he should ^till give time lor th: ai rival of succour On 
the 15th of October he ordered heuteiiHrjt colonel Abercrooibie to 
hold himself in readiness with a detachment of thiee hundred and 
fifty men from the guards and light mfantr)', for the purpose of 
possessing himself of two of onr redoubts neml)' tinished 

At four HI the succeeding mornint; Abercrombie a(lvanc«d upon 
our tines, detaching lieutenant colonel Lake with the guard- aga:nst 
one, and major Armstrong with the light infantry against the olher 
redoubt. 

The British rushed upon us with determined courage, and both 
officers completely succeeded ; driving out the French, who occu- 
pied the redoubts, with the loss of one hundred men killed and 
wounded. 

This success was of short duration ; for the support moving up 
from the trenches soon gained the lost ground, the enemy relin- 
quishing the redoubts and hastening to his lines. We found our 
cannon spiked, but, being done in much hurry, the spikes were rea- 
dily drawn, and before the evening the redo bts were finished and 
opened upon the enemy. Deriving no solid good from this his only- 
sortie for the purpose of retarding our ai)proach, and still ignorant 
of the cause of Clinton's delay, Cornwallis was brought to the al- 
ternative of surrendering or of attempting his escape. Incapable 
of submitting, so long as such an event might possibly be avoided, 
he prepared with profound secrecy to pass his army in the night to 
Gloucester, garnishing the works with his convalescents, leaving 
behind his baggage of every sort, his sick, wounded, siiipping and 
stores. 

To lieutenant colonel Johnson, the officer selecied stiil to hold 
York, a letter was delivered addressed to general Washington, com- 
mending to his humanity his abandoned comrades. 

As soon as be passed the river, the British general determined 
to envelope Choise with his whole force, and seizing all (he horses 
in his enemy's possession, to mount his army an i to juess forward 
by forced marches, preceded by his numerous cavalry, the corps 
of Simcoe and the legion of Tarleton, about four hunilrcd Horses 
were to be taken every where as he passed, until his whole force 
was mounted. He in'ended to keep a direct rourse to the upper 
country, with the view of leaving it doubtful whether his ultimate 
object was New Jersey or North Carolina ; hojiing thus to distract 
the motions of his adversary, if not to draw him to one point of 
interception, when he might take his decision as circumstiinces 
should warrant. 

This bold conception bespoke the hero, and was worthy of its 
author. Nor can itjustly be deemed so desperate as was generally 
conceived. Washington could not possibly in time seize the north- 
ern and southern route ; and without availing himself of horses, he 
never could overtake his foe. This aid could not have been in- 
stantly procured ; and when procured, must have been limited. to 
a portion of his force. It is probable he might, with all the horses 



564 Memoirs of the War in the 

in the camp and in the neighbourhood, have mounted four thousand 
men in four dsys ; * more could not have been collected m time* 
He coulJ readily, by the aid of water conveyance at hi^^ cornmand, 
with prosperous gales, have transported his m ijor force to the head 
of the Chesapeake, so as to have brought it in contact with the 
retreatm^ foe on the confines of the Delnvare, should CornwalUs 
have taken the northern route ; but he must and would have cal- 
culiited on the interposition of sir Henry Clinton, who certainly 
would have moved through New Jersey to Esston, on the Dela- 
ware, ready to support the retreating army. 

The American army under Heath would have followed Clinton, 
but in this condition of things our prospect could not be considered 
cheering. Clinton and Cornwallis marching in a straight line to 
each otlier, Heath upon their upper flank, and the army from the 
Chesapeake on the lower flank, placed our whole force in hazard. 
Washiugton would not have risked such a game. 

No hopt' could be indulged that troops would assemble from the 
country through which the enemy passed, capable of serious op- 
position. We had seen Arnold the year before with nine hundred 
men seize the metropolis of Virginia, and return to his shipping, 
twenty tive miles below, uninjured. We had afterwards seen 
Simcoe possess himself of the Point of Fork, high up Jamf^s river, 
unhurt; and Tarleton in Charlottevile, not far from the Blue 
Ridgp, almost capturing the governor and leijislature of the state. 
Whit chance then could exist of stopping Cornwallis by any inter- 
mediate force from the country ? Passing the Potomac, this ex- 
pertaiion, f-iint always, considerably diminished. In the pirt of 
Marvlaud through which his course lay, a con>-,ider,ible portion of 
the p ople h;id been considered affected with an ardent attachment 
to the British givernment ; and Pennsylvania, the next state in his 
progress!, whose utiion with Maryland might have yielded a force, 
destructive to the enemy, held a population averse to war. A 
great body of its citizens, from religious principles, resist not at all ; 
another poition was certainly inclined rather to aid than oppose the 
British gv'tieral ; the remainder, not more than one half, solid, 
sincere and resolute in our cause, were scattered over that extensive 
state, and consequently could not have been embodied in season. 
It 1* theretore probable that the enemy could not have bet^n stopped 
by the militia ; for in addilion to the above causes there was a want 
of arms and ammunition m ail the lower country ; and the riflemen 
west ot the mountains were too p-mote to be brought to act in time. 

Should the British general find his enemy's chief eflorts directed 
to occlude him from the north, he would turn to the south ; and 
what here stood in his way ? In a very few days he would reach 
North Carolina, and in a few more he would encamp on the Cape 
Fear in the midst of his friends. 

•This would hnve comprehended all the horses in camp to be spared froi* 
other indi-nensable services, as well as all to be afforded by the country; and 
po doubt, upon such an occasion, eveiy horse in the neighbourhood and along 
the rou I' of march would have been proffered, but such a colleclien in four 
da>s eould not be effected but by great exertions. 



Southern Dfpariment of the United States. 365 

From this view of ihe country it is evident that Comwalli? would 
have miide ^ood his retreat, nniess outspeeded by WashingtoD. 
Every exertion would have S^»eea e^isayed by the commander id 
chief, and our willing ci»untr\men would have contributed with 
alucrity to support (he man of their heart. Yet ditliculties stub- 
born and constant were to be surmounted. But we will presume 
thai these w ere overcome, and th.it Washington, detaching Rocham- 
beau with the army of Frame up the Chesapeake, should be ena- 
bled to mount in time a superior force, and follow upon the heels 
of the British general. 

This ir> the most flattering situation we could expect. He would 
not. could not, overtake him south of the Potomac, if shaping his 
coiirse northwardly ; nor could he overtake him north of the Dao, 
if pnceeditig to the south. Whenever he did approach him, action 
would ensue; and thus Cornivallis would be brought to a tield bat- 
tle, uith a fnrce rather inferior to bis enemy. How much more to 
be d'^sired was*nch change to him than his present condition. Vic- 
tnrv gave him safety, and victory was not impossible. He fought 
and destroyed Gates ; he fought and forced Greene out of the tield 
with a gre iter disparity of force against him. The issue nf the 
action would decide his fate If adverse he was destroyed ; if suc- 
cessful \<e was safe. Who then, comparing his lordship's prest>nt 
condition with the worst that could befal him in the execution of his 
heroic decision, can withhold his admiration of a determination so 
bold and wise. 

Early in the night the first division of the army passed unper> 
ceived to Gloucester, the other division ready to embark for the 
samp shore as "oon as the boats return d. This done, the arduous 
attempt would have commenced by falling upon De Choice. But 
Providencp had decreed otherwise : a furious storm suddenly arose 
and forced tbp returning boats down the river considerably below 
the town. Day appeared before the boats reached their destina- 
tion : and the forf^no'ni was occupied in bringing bark the division 
which had passed Disconcerted by this uncontrollable difficulty, 
Cornwallis nevertheless continued to make head against his enernj 
with his divided force ; cutting new embrasures to remount his dis- 
mounted guns, and expending his last shells in maintaining the une- 
qual contest 

Our second parallel was now completed ; and its numerous ITth. 
batteries, stored with he:;vy ordnance, opened with the day. The 
enemy's shattered defences, could not alTord for many hours even 
sheUer to the troops, much less annoyance to the assailant. In 
every direction they were tumbling under our de>^tructive tire ; and 
it was evident, that the town was no longer tenable. Washington 
had only to order his troops to advance to bring his foe to uncondi- 
tional submission ; nor would this measure have been postponed 
longer than the next day bad any event occurred, rendering it iidvi- 
sable. No intelligence was as yet received of the progress of sir 
Henry Clinton ; and it appeared from subsequent information that 
he was etill in New York. 



^6 Memoirs of th? War in the 

Without the hope of timely succour, aod foiled in the bold at- 
tempt to cut his way to safety, the British general had no alterna- 
tive left, but to surrender upon the best Unnu^ he could obiain. 
Taking this mortifying decision, he bent a [tarley, atid proposed by 
letter addressed to the commander in chief, a ces.-*Htion of hostilities 
for twenty-four houfs, that commissioners, mutuidly appomted, 
might meet and arrange the terms of surrender. Washington lost 
no time in reply ; declaring his "ardent desire to sjiare the further 
effusion of blood, and his readmess to Iist(Mi to such terms as were 
admissible ;" but he added, that as he could not permit the waste 
of time in fruitless discussion, he required, that previous to the 
appointment of the commissioners, his lordship would submit in 
writing the basis of his proposed surrender ; to give time tor which, 
hostilities should continue suspended for two hours. Cornwallis 
acceded to the requisition of Washington, and without delay pro- 
posed the basis of his surrender of the two posts of York and Glou- 
cester, with the naval force appertaining to them. This produced 
a correspondence,* which was concluded on the following day in 

* Copy of the Correspondence. 
Earl Cornwallis to general Washington. 

York, Virginia, October 17, 1781. 

Sir : 

I pro])ose a cessation of hostilities for twenty-four hours; and that two 
officers may be appointed by each side, to meet at Mr. IVloore's bouse, to settle 
terms for the surrender of the posts of York and Glouoester. 

CORNWALLIS. 

General Washington to earl Cornwallis. 

Camp before York, October 17, 1781. 
My Lord : 

I havfi the honour of receiving your lordship's letter of this date. 
An ardent desire to save the effusion of human blood will readily incline me 
to listen to such terms, for the surrender of your posts and garrisons at York 
and Gloucestfir, as are admissible. 

I wish, previous to the meeting of the commissioners, that your lordship's 
proposals, in writing, may be sent to the American lines; for which purpose, a 
suspension of hostilities, during two hours from the delivery of this letter, will 
be granted. 

G. WASHmOTON. 

Earl Cornwallis to general Washington. 

York, nth October, 1781. 
Sir : 

I have been this moment honoured with your excellency's letter dated this 

The time limited for sending my answer will not admit of entering into the 
detail of articles ; but the basis of my proposals will be, that the garrisons of 
York and Gloucester shall be prisoners of war, with the customary honours ; 
and for the convenience of the individuals which I have the honour to command, 
that the British shall be sent to Britain, and the Germans to Germany, under 
engagements not to serve against France, America, or their allies, until released, 
or regularly exchanged. That all atms and public stores shall be delivered uj) 



Southern Department of the United States. 36^ 

accordance with the principles fixed by Washington. Commission- 
ers were immediately appointed : the viscount de Noaiiles, of the 

to you; but that the usual indulgence of side arms to officers, and of retainit)^ 
private property, shall be granted to officers and soldiers; and that the interest 
of the several individuals in civil capacities and connected with us, shall be at- 
tended to. 

It your excellency thinks that a continuance of the suspension of hostilities 
will be necessary to transmit your answer, I shall have no objection to the hour 
that you may propose. 

I hare the honour to be, <tc. 

CORNWALLIS. 

General Washington to earl Cornwallis. 

Canip before York, 18lh October, 1781. 
Mt Lord : 

To avoid unnecessary discussions and delays, I shall at once, in answer to 
your lordship's letter of yesterday, declare the general basis upon which a de- 
finitive treaty of capitulation may take place. 

The garrisons of York and Gloucester, including the seamen, as you propose 
ehall be received prisoners of war. The .condition annexed, of sending the Bri- 
tish and German troops to th^ parts of Europe to which they respectively helonff 
is inadmissible. In^lead of this they will be marched to buch parts of the coun- 
try as can most conveniently provide for their subsistence ; and the benevolent 
treatment of the prisoners, which is invariably observed by the Ameiicans will 
be extended to ihem. The same honours will be granted to the sunenderine 
army as were granted to the garrison of Charleston. 

The shipping and boHts in the two harbours, with all their guns, stores tack- 
ling, furniture, and apparel, shall be delivered in their present state to an officer 
of the navy appointed to take possession of them. 

The artillery, arms, accoutrements, military chest, and public stores of every 
denomination, shall be delivered, unimpaired, to the heads of the departments 
to which they respectively belong. 

The officers shall be indulged in retaining their side arms ; and the officers and 
soldiers may preserve their baggage and effects, with this reserve, that property 
taken in the country will be reclaimed. 

With regard to the individuals in civil capacities, whose interest your lordshin 
wishes may be attended to, until they are more particularly described nothing 
definitive can be settled. 

I have to add, that I expect the sick and wounded will he supplied with their 
8WB hospital stores, and be attended by British surgeons, particularly charo-ed 
with the care of them. 

Your lordship will be pleased to signify your determination, either to accent 
ar reject the proposals now offered, in thi- course of two hours from the delivery 
of this letter, that commissioners may be appointed to digest the articles of ca'- 
pitulation, or a renewal of hostilities may take place. 

I have the honour to be, &.c. 

G. Washington. 

Harl Cornwallis to general Washijiglon, dated, 

York, IS'k October, l78l. 
Sir : 

I agree to open a treaty of capitulation upon the basis of the "rarrisons of 
York and Gloucester, including seamen, being prisoners of war, witiiout annex- 
ing the condition of their being sent to Europe; but I expect to receive a com- 
pensation \i\ the articles of capitulation for the surrender of Gloucester in its 
jjresent state of defejice. 



368 Memoirs of the War in the 

army of Rochambeau, and lieutenant colone' Laurens, aid-de camp 
to the commander in chief, on. the part of the allies; lir-iii.inmt 
colonel Dtindas, with major Rogs, aid de camp to lord CoruW'illis, 
on the part of the enemy. Ttie comiiiissionera met ; but not asree- 
ing detinilivily a rough draft of the terms prepared wer«^ submitted 
to the respective j^enerals in chief. Washington, always indisposed 
to risk the accid. nts of fortune, adhered to his decision already an- 
nounced of previ-Miting the waste of time ; and therefore transroittpd 
the next morning a fair copy of the terms to lord Cornwaliis, de- 
claring his expectation, that they would be ratified on tlie part of 
his lord-hip before the hour of eleven ; and that his troops would 
lay down their arms at two in the afternoon. 

Peneiving that it was in vain longer to contend, the British gen- 
eral assented to the terms presented.* Two points had been stren- 

I shall, in particular, desire that the Bonetta sloop of war may be left entirely 
at my disposal, from the hour that the capilulaticn is signed, to receive an aid- 
dc-camp to carry my despatches to sir Henry Clinton. Such soldiers as I may 
think proper to send as passengers in her, lo be manned with fii'ty m< ii of her 
own crew, am) to be perniiited to sail, without examination, when my de-'patihes 
are ready ; engaging on my part, that the ship shall be brought back and deliv- 
ered to you, if she escapes the dangers of the sea; that the crew and >oldier$ 
shall be acrnunted f r in future exchanges; that she shall carrv off no officer 
without your consent, iior public property of .my kind. Ann 1 shall likewise 
desire that the traders and inhabitants may pre.-erve iheir property, artd that 
no person may be punished or molested for tiiiving joined the British troops. 

If you choose to proceed to negotiati 'U on the.-c grounds, I shall appoint two 
field citficers of my army to meet two officers fiom ynu at any time and place 
that you think proper, to digest the articles of capitulation. 

I have the honour lo be, &c. 

CORlVWALLlS. 

* Ariulfs of Capitulation, 

Article 1st. The garrisons of York and Gloucester, including the officers and 
seamen of his Britannic majesty's ships, as well as other mariners, to surrender 
theoitelveb prisoners of war to the combined forces of Ameriia and France. 
1'he land troops to remain prisoners to the United States; the naval to the naval 
army of his most christian majesty. 

Answer. Granted. 

Article 2d. The artillery, arms, accoutrements, inilitary chest, and public 
stores of every denomination, shall be delivered, unimpaired, to the heads of 
departments appointed ta receive them. 

Answer. Granted. 

Article 3d. At twelve o'clock this day the two redoubts on the left flank of 
York to be delivered ; the one to a detachment of the American army, the other 
to a detcchnient of French grenadiers. 

Answer. Granted. 

The garrison of York will march out to a place to be appointed in front of 
the posts, at two o'clock precisely, with shouldered arms, colours cased, and 
drums beating a British or German march. They are then to ground theii arms, 
jknd return to then encampiuents, wheie they will remain until they are des- 
patched to the places of their destination Two works on the Gloucestt-r ^de 
will be delivered at one o'clock to a detachment of French and American troops 
appointed to possess them. The garrison will march out at three o'clock in the 
aftiiuoon: the cavalry, with their swords drawn, trumpets sounding ; aiid the 
inlantry in the manner prt-K( libed for thj> garrison ot York. They are likewise 
to return to their encampments until they can be finally inarched off. 



Southern Department of the United States. 3^9 

^onsly insisted on by lord Cornwallis : the fir^t, that his array should 
be sent to Europe, upon the condition of not serving against the 

Article 4th. Officers are to retain their side arms. Both officers and soldiers 
to keep their private property of every Kiiirl, and no part of their baggage or 
papers to be at any time subject to sear<-h or inspection. The baggage and 
papers of officers and soldiers taken during the sitge to be likewise preserved 
for them. 

Answer. Granted. 

It is understood, that any property, obviously belonging to the inhabitants of 
these states, in the pofsessioii of the garrison, sliall be subject to be reclaiined. 

Article 3th. The soldiers to be kept in Virginia, Maryland, or Pennsylvania, 
and as much by regiments as possible, and supplied with the same rations of 
provisions as are allowed to soldiers in the service of America. A field officer 
fioni each nation, to wit, British, Anspach, and Hessian, and other officets on 
parole in the proportion ol one to fifty men, to be allowed to reside near their 
respective regiments, to visit them frequently, and be witnesses of their treat- 
ment ; and that their officeis may receive and deliver clothing and other neces- 
saries for them ; for which Passports are to be granted when applied for. 

Answer. Granted. 

Article 6tli The general, staflf, and other officers not employed as mentioned 
IB the above articles, and who choose it, to be permitted to go on parole to 
Europe, to New York, or any other American maritime post at present in the 
posstssion of the British forces, at their own option; and proper vessels to be 
granted by the count de Grasse to carry tlu-.m under flags of truce to iNew York- 
within ten days from this dato, if possible ; and they to reside in a ■^iistrict, to 
be agreed upon hereafter, until they embark. 

The officers ot the civil department of the army and navy to be included in 
this article. Fasfports, to go by land, to be granted to those to whom vessels 
cannot be furnished. 

Answer. Granted. 

Article 7th. The officers to be allowed to keep soldiers as servants, according 
to the common practice of the service. Servants, not soldiers, are not to be 
Consii'ered as prisoners, and are to be allowed to attend their masters. 

Answer. Granted. 

Article 8th. The Bonetta sloop of war to be equipped, and navigated by its 
present captain and crew, and left entirely at the disposal of lord Cornwallis 
from the hour that the capitulation is signed, to receive an aid-decamp to carry 
despatches to sir Henry Clinton, and such soldiers as he may think proper to 
send to New Yoik ; to be poritiitted to sail without examination, when his deg» 
patches are ready. 

His lordship engages, on his part, that the ship shall be delivered to the order 
of the count de Grasse, if she esc:ipRS the dangers of the sea; that she shall 
not carry off any public stores. Any part of the crew that may be deficient 
on her return, and the soldiers, passengers, to be accounted for on her delivery. 

Answer. Granted. 

Article 9ih. The traders are to preserve their property, and to be allowed 
thiee months to dispose of or remove them; and those traders are not to bo 
eonsidered as prisoners of war. 

Article 9th Answered. The traders will be allowed to dispose of their effects, 
the allied army having the rigiit of pre-emption. The traders to.be considered 
as prisonerfi of viar upon parole. 

Article 10th. Natives or inhabitants of different parts of this country, at 
present in York or Gloucester, are not to be punished on account of having 
jiiined the British army. 

Article 10th Answered. This article cannot be assented to, being altogethec 
of civii resort. 

Article lith. Proper hospitals to be furnished for the sick and wounded. They 
are to be attended to by their own surgeons on parole; and they are to be fur- 
nrehed with medicines and storts from the American hospital 
47 



370 Memoirs of the War in the 

United States or France until exchanged ; and the second, security 
for our citizens who had joined the British army. Both were per- 
emptorily refused ; but the last was in effect yielded by permitting 
his lordship to send a sloop of war with his despatches to sir Henry 
Clinton free from search. Availing himself of this asylum for the 
individuals with him, obnoxious to our government, they were safely 
conveyed to New York. 

At two o'clock in the evening the British army, led by general 
O'Hara, marched out of its lines with colours cased, and drums beat- 
ing a British march. 

The author was present at this ceremony ; and certainly no spec- 
tacle could be more impressive than the one now exhibited. Valiant 
troops yielding up their arms after fighting in defence of a cause 
dear to them, (because the cause of their country) under a leader 
who, throughout the war, in every grade and in every situation to 
which he had been called, appeared the Hector of his host. Bat- 
tle after buttle had he fought ; climate after climate had he endured ; 
towns had yielded to his mandate, posts were abandoned at his ap- 
proach ; armies were conquered by his prowess ; one nearly ex- 
terminated, another chased from the confines of South Carolina be- 
yond the Dan into Virginia, and a third severely chastised in that 
state on the shores of James river. But here even he, in the midst 
of his splendid career, found his conqueror. 

The road through which they marched was lined with spectators, 
French and American. On ene side the commander in chief, sur- 

Answered. The hospital stores now in York and Gloucester shall be delivered 
for the use of the British sick and wounded. Passports will be granted for 
procuring them further supplies from New York, as occasion may require ; and 
propel liospitals will be furnished for the reception of the sick and wounded of 
the two garrisons. 

Article 12th. Wagons to be furnished to carry the baggaae of the officers at- 
tending the soldiers, and to surgeons when travelling on account of the sick, at- 
tending the hospitals at public expense. 

Answer. They are to be furnished if possible. 

Article 13th. The shipping and boats in the two h.irbours, with all their stores, 
guns, tackling, and apparel, shall be delivered up in their present state to an 
officer of the navy appointed to take possession of them, previously unloading 
the private property, part of whicij had been on board for security during the 
siege. 

Answer. Granted. 

Article I4th. No article of capitulation to be infringed on pretence of repri- 
sals ; and if there be any doubiful expressions in it, tliey are to be interpreted 
according to the connnon meaning and acceptation of the words. 

Answer. Granted. 

Done at York in Virginia, October l9ih, 1781. 

CORNWALLIS. • 
THOMAS SY.VIONDS; 

Done in the tvenchee before Yorktown, in Virginia, October l9th, 1781, 

G. WASHINGTON. 

LK CO.MTE DE ROCHAMBEAU. 

LK COMTB DE BARRAS, 

en nion noni et celui dii Comte de Gra?«r- 



Southern Department of the United States. 371 

rounded by bis suit and the American staff, took his station ; on the 
other side opposite to him, was the count de Rochambeau in like 
manner attended. The captive army approached, moving slowly 
in column with grace and precision. Universal silence was observed 
amidst the vast concourse, and the utmost decency prevailed : ex- 
hibiting in demeanor an awful sense of the vicissitudes of human 
fortune, mingled with commiseration for the unhappy. The head 
of the column approached the commander in chief; — O'Hara, mis- 
taking the circle, turned to that on his left for the purpose of pay- 
ing his respects to the commander in chief, and requesting further 
orders ; when quickly discovering his error, with much embarrass- 
ment in his countenance, he flew across the road, and advancing 
up to Washington, asked pardon for his mistake, apologized for 
the absence of lord Cornwallis, and begged to know his further 
pleasure. The general, feeling his embarrassment, relieved it by 
referring him with much politeness to general Lincoln for his go- 
vernment. Returning to the head of the column, it moved under 
the guidance of Lincoln to the field selected for the conclusion of 
the ceremony. 

Every eye was turned, searching for the British commander in 
chief, anxious to look at that man, heretofore so much the object of 
their dread. All were disiippointed. Cornwallis held himself back 
from the humiliating scene ; obeying emotions which his great char- 
acter ought to have stifled. He had been unfortunate, not from 
any false step or deficiency of exertion on his part, but from the 
infatuated policy of his superior, and the united power of his ene- 
my, brought to bear upon him alone. There was nothing with 
which he could reproach himself; there was nothing with which 
he could reproach his brave and faithful army : why not then ap- 
pear at its head in the day of mislbrtune, as he had always done in 
the day of triumph ? The British general in this instance deviated 
from his usual line of conduct, dimning the splendour of his long 
and brilliant career. 

The post of Gloucester, falling with that of York, was delivered up 
on the same day fiy lieutenant colonel Tarlelon, who had succeeded 
to the cnmmaud on the transfer of lieutenant colonel Dundas to the 
more important duties assigned to him in the defence of York. 
Previous to the surrender, Tarleton wailed upon general Choise, 
and communicated to that officer his ap|)rehensions for his personal 
safety if put at the disposal of the American militia. Tlijs confer-> 
ence was nought for the purpose of inducing an arrangement which 
should shield him from the vengeance of the inhabitants. General 
Choise did not hesitate a moment in gratifying the wishes of Tarle- 
ton. The legion of Lauziin and the corps of Mercer were selected 
by the general to receive the submitting enemy, vvhile the residue 
of the allied detarljmeni was held back in camp. As soon as the 
ceremony of surrender was performed, lieutenant colonel Hugo, 
of the legion of Mercer, with his militia and grenadiers took pos- 
session oi' the redoubts, and protected the hostile garrison from 
those outrages so seriously, though unwarrantably, anticipatetl by 



372 Memoirs of the War in the 

the British commandant. It would hare been very satisfactory t« 
give the reasons which induced this communication from lieutenant 
colonel Tarleton, but Choise did not go ioto the inquiry, and they 
remain unascertained. 

Indubitably they did not grow out of the American character or 
habit. Karely in the course of the war were the rights of human- 
ity violated, or the feeling of sympathy and commiseration for 
the unfortunate suppressed by the Americans ; and a deviation from 
our general system ought not now to have been expected, as the 
commander in chief was present, and the solemnity of a capitulation 
had interposed. We look in vain to thid quarter for the cause of 
this procedure ; and tiierefore conclude that it must have arisen 
from events known to the lieutenant colonel himself, and applying 
to the corps under liis commmd. 

By the official returns it appears that the besieging army, at the 
ter.uinatson of the sie>5e, amounted to sixteen thousand men, — five 
thousand five hundred continentals, three thousand five hundred 
militia, and seven thousand French. The British force in tolo is 
put down at seven thousand one hundred and seven ; of which only 
four thousand an J seventeen, rank and tile, are stated to have been 
fit for duty. 

The army, with every thing belonging to it, fell to the Ijnited 
States ; while the shipping and all its appurtenances were allotted 
to our ally. The British loss, including otlicers, amounted to five 
hundred and fifty eight ; while ours did not exceed three hundred. 

We obtained an excellent park of field artiller}', all of brass. 
At any other period of the war no acquisition could have been more 
acceptable. 

The conamander in chief, in his orders of congratulation on the 
happy event, made his conlial acknowledgments to the whole ar- 
.my, which was well deserved ; as in every stage of the service it 
had exemplified unvarying zeal, vigour and intrepidity. On the 
count de Rochambeau, the generals Chatt-Ueux and Viomenil, high 
applause was bestowed for the distinguished support derived from 
them throughout the siege ; and governor Nelson o Virginia re- 
ceived the tribute of thanks so justly due to his great and useful 
exertions. The generals Lincoln, La Fayette, and Steuben, are 
named with much respct. (ieneral Knox, commanding the artil- 
lery, and general du Portail, chief of engineers in the American 
army, are particularly honoured for their able and unremitting as- 
sistance. 

On the very day in which lord Cornwallis surrendered, sir Henry 
Clinton left Sandy Hook, with the promised relief; originally put 
down at four thousand, afterwards at mere than five thousand, now 
seven thousand ; made up of bis best corps, escorted by admiral 
Digby, who had succeeded Graves, with twenty-five sail of the 
line, two ships of fifty guns, and eight frigates. Such want of pre- 
cision must always blast military enterprise. Wliy it happened, 
remams unexplained ; but there seems to have been, in all expe- 
ditions of the same sort, eitiier from English ports or from those of 



Southern Department of the United States. S7S 

the colonies, the same unaccountable dilatoriness, uniformly pro- 
ducing lieep and lasting injury to the nation. 

After a fine passage the licet appeared on the 24th off the capes 
of Virginia, where sir Henry Clinton received mielligence of the 
surrendci-. Conlinmng souie da^s longer off tlie mouth of the 
Chej^apeake to ascertain the truth, his information became con- 
firmed ; when further delay being useless he returned to New 
York. 

In the mean time de Grasse continued on his anchorage ground 
with Ibirty-six sail of the line, and the usual proportion of friga'es, 
hastening preparations for his departure. 

Why sir Ht-nry Ciiitoa should h.ve ever encouraged his general 
in Virginia to expect relief, seems unaccountable The project 
adopted, too late, by CoinWdllis of escaping north or soutii tvas 
iHuch moie fftasible than the plan of relief so contidentiy relied up- 
on by the Briti.-h general in chief. How were t.vtnty-five ships of 
the line to lorce their way into the bay of Che-^apeake, occupud by 
a superior hostile fleet ? But admitting the impiohuble event ; what 
then would ensue ? tiir Henry, with his *even thousand men, 
would disembark up the bay so as to approach Gloucester point, or 
he would land in the vicinity of Hamplou ; from wlience tiie iDad 
to York is direct, and the distance not more than one day's march. 
To land at the forujer pi ice would be absurd, iinlc'S the French 
fleet was annihilated — an indecisive action, though unfavourable to 
France, could not produce the desired end. It was scaicel} possi- 
ble for such inferiority of naval force- to strike a blow so deci?ive. 

The route to Gloucester was therefore not eligible ; as the York 
river intervening, sure to be occupied by the French tieet, would 
sever the two armies. That by the way of Hampton, or from James 
river, was occluded by only one obstacle, and that obstacle was in- 
surmountable. Sixteen thousand bayonets interposed ; twelve thou- 
sand five hundred of which were in the hands of regulars, all chosen 
troops. 

Cornwallis, with Ids small force, could not leave his lines ; if he 
did, W ishm^ton, moving towards Clinton, would have only to tarn 
Upon liis lordship as soon as he ventured from his intrenched ca(np, 
and m one hour he must have dfslroyed him. Chulon next in or- 
der must infallibly fall. Acting upon the opposite principle, Corn- 
widlis would continue in his position, and VVashingtoiJ would attack 
Clinton on bis advance, midway between Hampton and York, or be- 
tween his point of deb.ukalion on James river and our lines ; the 
issue would be the s.nne, though the order would be reversed : 
Clinton would be first destroyed, and Cornwallis would then sur- 
render. 

The further the inquiry is pursued the more conspicuous will 
the want of due foresight and wise action in the British commauder in 
chief 'ippear. The moment he was miormed by his government liiat 
he might expect a French fleet upon our coast in the course of the 
autumn, he ought to have taken his measures as if he had been as- 
sured of the maritime superiority which happened. Thus acting, 



574 Memoirs of the War in the 

should the pre?iimec] event buppily fiiil, be was safe ; should it U0r 
hapf>i!v be realized, be would have been prepared to meet it. 

Relying upon the superiority of the British navy, be seems never 
to have reflected that the force of accidents mi;^ht give that supe- 
riority (o bis en(!my. Had he for a moment believed that the care 
of the spoils of Saint Euslatius could have benumbed the zeal of sir 
G. B. Rodnpy, commanding in chief the naval force of Great Bri- 
tain in our hemisphere, he might have pursued a safer course. Or 
if he bad conceived it possible tiiat a storm mi?>;bt have torn to pieces 
one fleet, injuring but little the other, (an occurrence which some- 
time* h ippen?) he would have discerned the wisdom of relyioa; upon 
himself for safety ; and consequently would b^ve ordered Copnwal- 
li^ to t;ike post on the south of James river, ready to regain Notlli 
Carolina should it become necessary. But never presuming; upon 
the interposition of any incident giving to France a naval ascendency 
upon our coast, he took bis measures upon common place princi- 
ples, following the beaten track, and fell an ea*y prey to his sagaci' 
ous adversary ; who, to prevent the interference of any occurrence 
impeding the progress of bis views, made ready in time to take his 
part as circumstances might invite, and to press forward to his end 
with un<lackening vigour. Sir Henry Clinton was — like most of the 
generals who appeared in this war — good, but not great. He was 
an active, zealous, honourable, well bred soldier ; but Heaven had 
not touched his mind with its aelberial spark. He could not soar 
above the ordinary level : and though calculated to shine in a se- 
condary sphere, was sure to twinkle in the highest station. When 
presidents, king-:, or emperors confide armies to soldiers of common 
minds, they ought not to be surprij^ed at the disasters which follow. 
The War foimd genera! G jge in chief command in America ; con- 
fessedly better fitted forp^ace. He was changed for sir William 
Howe ; who, after two campaiens, was wiibdrawn, or withdretv. 
Sir Henry Hlinton succeeded ; and when peace became assured, sir 
Guy Ciirleton, ;tfterwards lord Dorchest«er. took his place. By a 
strange f.itality the soldier best qualified for the arduous duties of 
war, was reserved to conduct (he scenes of returning peace This 
general was and bad been for many years governor of Canada. He 
defended Q,u; bee against Montgomery; where he gave strong indi- 
cations of a superior mind by his use of victory. Instead of de- 
taining bis en tny (fallow subj-^cts, as he called them) in prison 
ships ; committing them to the discretion of mercenary commissa- 
ries for food and fuel and to military bailiffs for safe keeping, Car- 
leton paroled the ollicers, expressing hi* regret that they should 
have been inchiced to P>Mntain a cause wrong in principle, and fata! 
to its abettors in i*sue ; and sent home the privates, giving to all 
every requisite aid for their comfortable re'urn, enjoining them ne- 
ver to take up arms a second time against their sovereign ; as there- 
by they would forfeit the security and comfort which be had pre- 
sented, as well as violate their own peace of mind, by cancelling a 
contract founded in the confidence of their truth. 

Commiserating the delusion under which they had acted, he eji- 



Southern Department of the United States. 375 

^ouraged their abandonment of the new doctrines : anathematizing 
with bitterness the arts, intrigues, and wickedness oilheir rebellious 
leaders, against whom, and whom only, the thunderbolt of power 
ougnt, in hts judgment, to be hurled. 

The effect of such policy was powerful. General Greene, from 
whom the information is derived, expressed his conviction that the 
kindness of Caiieton was more to be dreaded than che bayonet of 
Howe ; and mentioned as an undeniable fact, that in the various dis- 
tricts to which our captured troops returned, not excepting the faith- 
ful state of Connecticut, the impressions made by the relation of the 
treatment experienced Irom him, produced a lasting and unpropitious 
efl'ect. 

Here is exhibited deep knowledge of the human heart — the 
ground work of greatness in the art of war. When we add the 
honourable display of patriotism evinced by the same officer, in his 
support of the expedition under lieutenant general Burgoyne, in- 
truded by the minister into an important command which the go- 
vernor of Canada had a right to expect, and subjoin that when a co- 
lonel at the head of a regiment in the army under Wolfe, before 
Q,uetiec, he was the only officer of that grade entrusted by that 
great captain with a separate command, America may justly rejoice 
in the misapplication of such talents, and Great Briiain as truly la- 
ment the infatuation of her rulers, who overlooked a leader of such 
high promise. 

Cotnwallis, in his official letter, representing his fall, gave serious 
umbrage to sir Henry Clinton ; so difficult is it to relate the truth 
without offence, when communicating disaster resulting from the im- 
providence, or incapacity of a superior. That the reader may judge 
of this last act of the most distinguished general opposed to us in the 
coarse of the war, his lordship's letter has been annexed.* 

General Greene, as has been mentioned, hoping that as soon as 
the army of Virginia was brought to submission, the French admiraf 
might be induced to extend his co operation further south, had sent 
to the commander in chief lieutenant colonel Lee with a full and 
minute description of the situation and force of the enemy in the 
Carolinas and Georgia. 

This officer arrived a kw days before the surrender ; and havino- 
executed his mission, was detained by the comniuiidei in cliief to ac- 
company the expedition, v.iiich he anxiously desired to forward con- 
formably to the plan of general Greene. 

The moment he finished the great *vork bofore him, he ^ddre^sed 
himself to the count de Grasse, uiiijing his further aid if compatible 
with his ulterior objects. The French admiral wa;* well disposed to 
promote the views of VVaslungton ; but the interest of bis king and 
his own engagements forbad longer delay on our coiists. Failing ir> 
the chief oiject of his address, Washington intorroed the admiral of 
his intention to reinforce the army in the South, dilating upon the 
benefits inseparable, from its speedy junction with general Greene^ 

* Sb? Appendtx, N.- 



376 Memoirs of the War in the 

and his hope that the conveyance of the reinforcements to Cape 
Fear river would not be inconvenient. Tbis proposition was cheer- 
fully iidoptecl, and the corps destined for the South, were put under 
the direction of the marquis hi Fayette, with orders to possess him- 
self of Wilmington, situated fifteen miles up the Cape Fear, still 
held by major Craij^, and from thence to march to ttie southern 
headquartf IS. It so happened, tlmt the count found it necessary to 
recede from his pr.xnise ; so that general Greene, much as he pres- 
sed naval co operatirm, which could not fiil in restoring the inree 
southern states completely, was not only disappointed in this his 
fond expectation, but was al^^o deprived of the advantage to be de- 
rived from the f<?ci!e and expeditious conve)anLe of his reinforce- 
ment as at first arranged. 

The army of liochambeau was cantoned for (he winter in Virgi- 
nia : the brigades of VV^iyne and Gist were deta< hed to the south 
under major geuer.il St Clair : t!ie remainder of the American army 
was transported by water to the head of the Ch'^sapeake, i.nder 
major general Lincoln, who was ordered to regain th rJudson liver ; 
and the detachment with St. Simon re-embarked, when the French 
admiral returne i to the WVst Indies. 

Thus concluded the iriiporlant co operation of the nllied forces; 
concerted at tlie C(>urt of Versailles, ex'^cuted v;'ith precision on 
the part of coLint de Grasse, and conducted with judgmei't by the 
commander in ciiief Gseat was the joy diffused throughout our 
inf mt empire. Bon tires, iiluminaiions, feasis, and ball.-s, proclaimed 
the universal delight ; congratulatory addresses, warm from the 
heart, poured in from every quarter, hailing in ft-rvid terms the 
patriot hero ; the reverend ministers of our holy religion, the 
learned dignitaries of science, the grave rulers and governor:* of 
the land, all tendered their homage ; and the fair, whose smdes 
best reward the brave, added, too, their tender gratitude and sweet 
applause. 

This wide acclaim of joy and of confidence, as rare as sincere, 
sprung not only from the conviction that our signal success would 
bring in its train the blessings of peace, so wanted by our wasted 
country, and from the splendour with which it encircled our national 
name, but from the endearing reflection tiiat tiie mighty exploit had 
been achieved by our fiithful, beloved Washington. VVe had seen 
bim struggling throughout the war wit.t inferior force against the 
best troops of England, assisted by her powerful navy ; surrounded 
wilii difficulties; oppressed by want: never dismayed, never ap- 
palled, never despairing of the commonwealth. We have .sefu 
liim renouncing his own fame as a si.ldier, his safety as a man ; in 
his unalloyed love of countr}-, weakening his own immediate fnrce 
to slreogihen that of his lieuienants ; submitting with equanimity to 
his own consequent inability to act, and rejoicing in their triumphs, 
because best calculated to uphold the great cause entrusted to his 
care ; at length by one great and final exploit under the benign io- 
flueuce of Providence, lifted to the pinnacle of glory, the merited 
rpward of his toils, his sufferings, bia> patience, his heroism, and his 



Southern Department of the United States. S7'3^ 

virtue. Wondc'ifiil man ! rendering it difficult by his conduct 
throijj^hont life to decide whether he most excelled in goodness or 
in greatness. 

Congress testified unanimon-Iy their sense ©f the great achieve- 
ment.* To Wa-shiugton, de Giasse, Rocbambeau, and to their ar- 

* By the United States, in Congress assembled, October 29th, 1781. 

Ri-solvec), That th« thanits of the Uuited States, in Congress assembled, be 
pr"Sf nted to his excellency gf neral Washington, for the eminent servi.~es which 
lie h^s rendeipii to the United States, and pHrticularly for thn -veil o>incerted 
plan against the British garrisons in York and Gloucester ; for the vigour, atten- 
tion and military si<ill with which the plan was executed j and for the wisdom 
and prudence manifested in the capitulation. 

That the thanks of, the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented 
to his excellency the count de Rochambeau, for the cordiality, zeal, judgment 
and fortitude, with which he seconded and advanced the progress of the allied 
army Jigainst the British garrison in York. 

That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented to 
bis excellency c iint de Grasse, for his display of skill and bravery in attack- 
ing and defeating the British fleet off the bay of Chesapeake; and for his zeal 
and alacrity in rendering, with the fleet under his command, the most effectual 
and distinguished aid and support to the operations of the allied army in Viiginia. 

That the thanks of the United States, in Congress assembled, be presented 
to the commanding and other officers of the corps of artillery and engineers of 
the allied army, who sustained extraordinary fatigue and danger, in their aai» 
mated awd gallant approaclips to the lines of the enemy. 

That general Washington be diiected to communicate to the other officers 
and the soldiers under his conimnnd the thanks of the United States in Con- 
gress assemblfd, for their conduct and valour on this ocasion. 

Resolved, That the United States, in Congress assembled, will cause to be 
erected at York, in Virginia, a marljle column, adorned with emblems of the 
alliance between the United States and his most christian majesty, and in- 
scribed with a succinct narrative of the surrender of earl Cornwallis to his ex- 
cellency gent ral Washington, commander in chief of the combined forces of 
America and France, to his excellency the count de Rochambeau, comm^inding 
the auxiliary troops of his most christian majesty in Ameiica, and his excellen- 
cy the count de Grasse, commanding in chief the naval army of France in the 
Che?apeake. 

Resolved. That two stands of the colours taken from the British army under 
the capituiiilinn of York, be presenter! to his excellency general Washington, 
in the name of the United States, in congress abSt;nibled. 

Resolved, Th^it two pieces of field ordnance, taken from the British army 
under the c-tpitulation of York, be presented by the cominandei in chief of the 
American army to count de Rochambeau ; and thai there be engraved thereop 
a short memorandum, that congress were induced to present them from con- 
sideration of the illustrious pait which he bore in effectuating the surrender. 

Resolved, That the secretary of foreign affairs be directed to request the 
minister plenipotentiary of iii« most christian majesty, to inform his majesty, that 
it is the wish of <.;ongress that count de Grasse may be permitted to accept a tes- 
timony of their approbation, similar to that to be presented to cpunt de Ro- 
chambeau. 

Resolved, That the board of war b« directed to present to lieutenant colonel 
Tilghman, in the name of the United States, in Congress assembled, a horse 
properly caparisoned, and an elegant sword in testimony of their high opinion 
of h's merit and ability t 

t Lieutenant colonel Tinch Til;jhman had served from the year 1776 in the 
character of aid-de-camp to the commander in chief, was highly beloved and 
respected, and was honoured by Washington witli bearing to CoU(;ress bis olS* 
cial report of the surrender of the British arnoy in Virginia. 
,48 



silt Memoirs of the War in the 

mies, they presented the thanks of the nation, the most gratefal 
reward which freemen can bestow, or freemen receive ; and passed 
a resolution to erect a monument of marble on the ground of vic- 
tory, as well to commemorate the alliance between the two nations, 
as this the proud triumph of their united arms. Nor did they stop 
here. Desirous that the chiefs of the allied forces should carry 
with them inio retirement some of the trophies of their prowess, 
they presented to the commander in chief two of the standards ta- 
ken from the enemy, to the admiral two field pieces, and a like num- 
ber to the general of the French troops They concluded, by dedi- 
cating the 30th of December for national supplication and thanks- 
givinw to Almighty God in commemoration of his gracious protec- 
tion, manifested by the late happy issue of their councils and efforts, 
themselves attending in a body divine worship on that day. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. % 

A^S soon as it was ascertained that the count de Grasse would not 
take under convoy the troops destined to reinforce the southern 
army, general St. Clair was ordered to prepare tor immediate mo- 
tion ; and lieutenant colonel Lee was directed to return with the 
despatches of the commander in chief Hastening to the south, the 
lieutenant colonel proceeded with expedition to the High Hills of 
8antpe, — still the head quarters of the southern army. General 
Greene finding himself baffled io the expectation he had indulged, 
of being sufiicienlly strengthened to complete the restoration of 
the south, which he had so happily, in a great degree, accomplish- 
ed ; determined, nevertheless, though reduced by battle and by 
disea«e, to remain inactive no longer than the season rendered it 
necessary. The autumn in South Carolina is extremely debilitat- 
ing as well as prolific of disease. Prepared to move, he only wait- 
ed for the commencement of the cool season. The general was 
well apprized of the effect of the late hard fought battle ; which, 
notwithstanding the enemy's claim to victory, had broken the force 
and spirit of the Britisii army. Nor wits he unmindful in his calcu- 
lations of the relative condition of the two armies, that this opera- 

JVovember Ilk, 1781. 

Resolved, That the secretnry of foreign affairs be directed to prepare a 
sljetch of emblems of the alliance between his most christian majesty and the 
United States, proper to be isu-cribed nn the column to be erected in the town of 
York, under the resolution of the 2Sth day of October last. 

Resolved, That an elegant sword be presented in the name of the United 
States, in Congress assembled, to colonel Humphreys, aid-de-camp of general 
Washington, to whose care the standards taken under the capitulation of York 
fvere consigned, as a testimony of their opinion of his fidelity and ability, and 
that the board of war take order therein. 

Extract from the minutes. 

CHARLES THOMPSON, Secretary 



Southern Department of the United States. 370 

five battle had been fought by his infantry only ; the horse under 
Washington, although very much shattered, had not in the smallest 
degree contributed to the issue of the action ; while that of the 
legion had by a manceuvre only aided the van in the morning ren- 
contre : a circumstance well known to the enemy, and which could 
not be overlooked in his estimate of the past and of the future. 
The American general being convinced that be was in effect the 
conqueror, conformed his plan and measures to this character. 

In the severe contention the last ten months, the districts between 
the Santee :md the Pedee, and between the VVateree and Congaree, 
having been successively the seat of war, their cultivation had been 
neglected The product of the soil was scanty, and of that little, 
all not concealed for the subsistence of the inhabitants bad been 
taken by the armies. The only country from which Greene could 
draw supplies was that on the lower Pedee, and this was so distant 
as (o render the conveyance to camp extremely inconvenient, which 
added to the insecurity of tht route of transportation, from its expo- 
sure to the enemy's maritime interruption for-bad resort to that 
district. It fortunately happened that subsistence for man and 
horse was most abundant in the quarter of the state to which the 
general was desirous of transferring the war. Although he had confi- 
dently expected that the commander in chief would have succeeded 
in prevailing on the French admiral to continue in our waters long 
enough for the execution of the plan submitted by him to Washino-- 
ton, nevertheless he seduously appliod himself in preparing for the 
partial accomplishment of his object with his own means, in case 
of disappointment. In North Carolina, Wilmington remained in 
the possession of the enemy. In South Carolina he had only 
Charleston and the contiguous islands, and the isthmus formed by 
the rivers Cooper and Ashley, with a portion of the country lying 
between the last river and the Edisto. But in Georgia, Savannah 
with a larger S|)ace of country was in his uncontrolled possession. 

With the requested aid the American general could not have been 
disappointed in the entire liberation of the three states ; without 
this aid, he flattered himself with being able, by judicious and vigo- 
rous operations, to relieve Noith Carolina and <jeorgia. 

To this object he turned his attention, and for this purpose he 
determined to place himself intermediate to Charleston ;md Savan- 
nah. The district south of the Edisto fitted his views in point of 
locality ; and having been since 1779 exempt in a great degree from 
military operations, ay;riculture had been cherished, r,nd the crops 
of rice in particular were tolerably abundant. This substitute for 
bread, however unpal itable to Marylanders and Virginians, of 
whom Greene's army was principally composed, is nourishing to 
man, and with the Indian pea, which grows luxuriantly in South 
Carolina and Georgia, affords nutritious forage for horse. He put 
his army in motion (on the I8lh of November,) and soon after when 
he crossed the Congaree, l^ift the main body under the orders of 
colonel Williams, who was directed to advance by easy and stated 
xnarches to the Four Holes, a branch of the Edisto, while the gene- 



580 Memoirs of the War in the 

ral himself, at the head of the light troops, took a circuitous route 
to the sauie place. Correspondency in the movtfnent of the two 
corps being preconcerted, Wilhums proceeded on the direct route 
to the Four Holes ; and Greene advanoed by forced marches upon 
Dorchester, where the enemy had estalilished a post, gai risoned at 
present by four hundred infantiy, all their cavalry, not exceeding 
one hundred and fifty, and some militia. This post (if surprised) 
could be readily carried, and such a result was not improbable. If 
not surprised, the general flattered himself, unless the enemy had 
recovered from the despondency which I'oilowed the battle ot ihe 
Eutaws, that he would abandon it ; and if disappointed in both these 
expectations, he considered himself as amply compensated lor thie 
movement, by his own view of a part of the country to which he 
meant to extend his operations. 

The cavalry, preceding the light infantry in various directions, 
occupied an extensive front, for the purpose of precluding commu- 
nication of our approach ; which it was intended to conceal trom 
the inhabitants as well as from the enemy, lest some of the disaffect- 
ed might inform him of our advance. We marched in paths thi ough 
woods iud swamps seldom trod by man ; and wherever we con Id 
not avoid settlement*, all the inhabitants capable of conveyini; m- 
formaiion were secured. Notwithslandrng these precautions, and 
our active cavalry, the enemy received advice of our approach 
sometime in tiie night previous to the morning intended tor the me- 
ditated blow. 

The commanding officer drew in his outposts, and concentrated 
his force in Dorcheste.', keeping in his front a few patroles to ascer- 
tain and repoxt our progress. Lieutenant colonel Hampton, at the 
head of the state horse, (a small corps which had, with honour to 
itself and effect to its country, shared in the dangers of the latter 
part of the campaign vulh our array,) fell in with one of these, and 
instantly charging it, killed some, wounded others, and drove the 
rest upon the main body. The British cavalry sallied out in sup- 
port, but declining combat, soon retired. 

Disippointed in the hoped for surprise, the general continued to 
examine the enemy's position, desiious of executing by force, what 
he hoped to have accomplished by stratagem. In the course of the 
day the presence of Greene became known to the foe, who instantly 
prepared for departure. Me destroyed his stores of every sort, 
fell back in the night down the isthmus, and before d>iy light (the 
return of which he feeemed to have dreaded) established himself at 
the Q,uarterhouse, seven miles from Charleston. General Greene 
pursued his examination of the country at his leisure, whicii being 
finished, he returned to the army, now encamped on the Four 
Holes. 

After a few days he passed the Edisto, and sat down at the Hound 
O, which is situated between that river and the Ashepoo, about 
forty or fifty miles from Charleston, and seventy miles from the 
confluence of the VVateree and Congaree ; fifteen miles beyond 
which, on the east of the Wateree, in n straight line, are the High 
Hills of Santee. 



Southern Department of the United States. 381 

Taking iinmediate measures for the security of the country in his 
front, he det.iohed brigndier Marion wilh his militia to the east of 
Asiiiey river, with orders lo guard the district between that river 
and the Cooper ; and he sent Heuienant culoiiel Lee dnvvn the vves- 
tern side of the Ashley, directing him to approach by gradunl ad- 
vances St. John's lyhiiid, and lo pU»ce himsell m a strong position 
within striking distance of it. 

Previous to this the enemy had evacuated Wilmington, by which 
North Carolina became completely re-tored to the Union. Shut 
lip as were the British troops in Chruleston and its isllunns, major 
Craig» with the sarrison from Wilmington, some additional iiifuilry 
and 'he chivalry, liid be 'n detari'ed to St Jolal'^ Ishmd, where most 
of the ' aifle collected for the Briti?[t armv were ;it pasture, where 
long fo<A«!^e was prorurahle for the cavalry, where co-operation 
with the garrison of Charleston was convt'tiient, and whence in- 
fantry might be readily transported alon^; Lhe interior navigation to 
S ivtmnah. 

To repress incursions from this post, as well as to inhibit the con- 
veyance of supphes from the m lin to the Island, became the princi- 
pal object of Lee's attention. 

Tije advance of Aiarion and Lee being, by the general's order 
simuUmeous. they gave security to their contiguous flanks from any 
atfempi by Tmd, alUiough they weie divid.^d by the Ashley ; it being 
not incoiiveriient to apprize each other of any movement of (he 
enemy on either side of the river. This co operation was enjoin- 
ed by the ge eral, and piinctually executed by t!ie two comman- 
dants. The first d ly's oiaTh brought these detachdients to lhe 
country settled by the original emigrants into Carolina. The scene 
was both neiv and delightful. Vestigi^s, though clouded by war 
every where apjieared of the wealth and taste of the inh..hitants. 
Spioious edifice^, rich aod elegant gardens, witli luxuriant and ex- 
tensive rice pi. intuitions, were to be seen on everv side. This 
change in tlie aspect of inanimate na'urc, could not fail to excite 
emotions of plelSUl•«^ ihe more vivid because so rare. During our 
continued maiches and counternnrciies, nevei- befiro had we l)een 
solaced wilh the prospect of so muuh comfort. Hen- we were not 
confined to one solitary mansion, nhere a few, jir.d a few onlv, might 
enjoy the charms of tas(e and tiie luxury of opulence. TIk? rich 
repj'St was wide spread ; and when lo the exterior was added the 
fashion, politeness and hosj'itality of the inltrior, we became on- 
raptured wilh our changed condition, .nid the resolve of never vseld- 
ing up this charming region but with life, became uniiersal.^ To 
crown our bliss, the fair sex shone in its brightest lustre. With 
the ripe-t and most symmetrical beauty, our fair compatriot* ble. d- 
ed sentimental dignity and delicate refinement, the sympalljetic shade 
of melancholy, and lhe dawning smile of hope ; the arrival of iheir 
iipw quests opening to them the prospect of hap[)ier limes 

The rapture of these scenes was as yet confined to the light 
troops. The general continuing in ins position at the Hound O 
sabsisting upon the resources of the country in that neighbourhood 



382 Memoirs of the War in the 

and in his rear, reserved all the surplus food and forage within the 
advanced posts for the future support of his army. Decamping 
frona the Kound O. he moved on the route taken by his van ; when 
the main body participated in the gratitications which this pleasing 
district, and its more pleasing possessors, so liberally bestowed. 
After some marches and countermarches, brigadier Marion took 
post between Dorchester and Biggin's bridge, and lieutenant colo- 
nel Lee at M'Queen's plantation, south of Ashley river. The main 
body encamped at Pompon, in the rear of Lee. Here general 
Greene began to enter more particularly into his long meditated 
design of relieving the state of Georgia, by forcing the enemy t6 
evacuate Savannah. 

We have before mentioned that major, now lieutenant colonel 
Craig, had taken possession of St. .John's Island, with a respectable 
detachment. Lee was ordered, when detached towards that Island, 
to take measures for ascertaining with exactness the strength and 
position of Craig, with his customary precautions against surprise, 
and his manner of discharging the duties which his situation imposed. 
This service was undertaken with all that zeal and diligence which 
the mandates of a chief so enlightened and so respected, and an 
enterprise more brilliant than all the past exploits in the course of 
the southern war, could claim. Some weeks were assiduously 
devoted to the acquiring of a clear comprehension of this arduous 
and grand design, with an exact knowledge of the complicated means 
necessary to its execution : in the mean time, deaionstrations ivere 
made and reports circulated, exhibiting a settled plan in the general 
of passing .Ashley river, to be ready to fall upon Charleston as soon 
as the reinforcement under St. Clair, now approaching, should ar- 
rive. About this time Greene's attention to the leading object of 
his measures was diverted by accounts from the West, announcing 
an irruption of the Cherokee tribe of Indians on the district of 
Ninety-Six ; which having been as sudden as it was unexpected, 
had been attended with serious injury. Several families were mas- 
sacred, and many houses were burnt. Brigadier Pickens, (whose 
name we have often before mentioned, and always in connection 
with the most important services,) had, after his long and harassing 
campaign, returned home with his militia. The moment he heard 
of the late incuision, he again summoned around him his well tried 
warriors. To this otficer the general resorted, when he was in- 
formed of this new enemy. Among the first acts of general 
Greene's command in the South, was tiie conclusion of a treaty 
with this tribe of Indians, by which they had engaged to preserve 
a state of neutrality so long as the vvai l»etween the United States 
and Great Britain should continue. What is extraordinary, the 
Cherokees rigidly complied with their engagement during the past 
campaign, when the success of lord Cornwallis, with 'he many 
difhculties Greene had to encounter, would have given weight to 
their interference. Now, when the British army in Virginia bad 
been forced to surrender, and that acting in South Carolina and 
<5eoi;gia had been compelled to take shelter in the district of coo^- 



Southern Department of the United Stated. 3B§ 

•try protected by forts and ships, they were so rash as to listen to 
exhortations often before applied in vain. Pickens followed the 
incursors into their own country ; and having seen mnch and vari- 
ons service, judiciously determined to mount his detachment, adding 
the sword* to the riile and tomahawk. He well knew the force 
of cavalry, having felt it at the Cowpens, though it was then feebly 
exemplitii'.d by the enemy. Forming his mind upon exiJcriencs, 
the straight road to truth, he vviscly resolved to add t© the arms,, 
usual in Indian wars, the unusual one above mentioned. 

In a few days he reached the country of the Indians, who, as is 
the practice among the uncivilized in all ages, ran to arms to oppose 
the invader, anxious to jom issue in battle without delay. Pickens, 
with his accustomed diligence, took care to inform himself accu- 
rately of the designs and strength of the enemy ; and as soon as 
he had ascertained these important facts, advanced upon him. The 
lifle was only used while reconnoitring the hostile position. As 
soon as this was finished, he remounted his soldiers, and ordered a 
charge : with fury his brave warriors rushed forward, and the asto- 
nished Indians fled in dismay. Not only the novelty of the mode, 
which always has its influence, but the sense of his incapacity to 
resist horse, operated upon the flying forester. 

Pickens followed np his success, and killed forty Cherokees, took 
a gr.'?nt number of prisoners of both sexes, and burnt thirteen (owns. 
He lo.*t not a soldier, and had only two wounded. The sachems of 
the n ition assembled in council ; and thoroughly satisfied of their 
inaiiilitv to contend against an enemy who added the speed of the 
horset to the skill and strength of man, they determined to implore 
forgiveness for the past, and never again to provoke the wrath of 
their triumphant foe. This resolution being adopted, commission- 
ers were accordingly appointed, with directions to wait upon general 
Pickens, and to adjust with him the terms of peace. These were 
readily listened to, and a treaty concluded, which not only termi- 
nated the existing war, but provided against its renewal, by a sti- 
pulation on the part of the Cherokees, in which they engaged not 

* John Rogers Clarke, colonel in the service of Virginia against our neigh- 
bours the Indiaiie ir> the revolutionary war, was among our best soldiers, and 
•better acquainted with the Indian warfare than any officer in our army. Thif 
gentleman, alter one of his campaigns, met in Hirhmoud several of our cavalry 
officers, and devoted all his leisure in Bscertnining from them the various uses 
to which horse were applied, as well as tlie manner of such application. The 
infoiniation he acqiiireij determined him to introduce this species of force against 
the Indians, as that of all others the most effectual. 

By himself, by Pickens, and lately by Wayne, was the acctiracy of Clarke's 
opinion justified ; and no doubt remains, but in all armies prepared to act 
against the Indians, a very considerable proportion of it ought to be light ca-* 
vahy. 

t The Indians, when fighting with infantry, are very daring. This temper 
of mind results from his consciousness of his superior fleetness ; which, together 
with his better knowledge of woods, assures to him extrication out of difficulties, 
though dfisper-ite. This lemper of mind is extinguished, when he finds that hei 
IB to save himself from the pursnit of hoise, and with its extinction fallsr thai' 
kabitual boldness^ 



384 • Memoirs of the War in this 

only to remain deaf to the exhortMtions of the British emi««:iriejf, 
but tliat they would ipprehiMid all such evil doers, and deliver hv.vd 
to the governor of South Carolina, to be dealt with as he might 
direct. 

The object of the expedition being thus happily accomplished, 
general Pickens ev^icuated the Indian territory, and returned to 
South Carolina, before tlie expiration of the tlurd week from his 
departure, vvitliout losing a f^inj^li^ soKiier. 

Pickens's d^espatches, co!na)unicating the termination of the Cher- 
okee hostdilies, were received by Greene just as he was about to 
ent«r upon the execution of hi* meditated enterprise. All the re- 
quisite intelligence had been acquired, the chances calculated, the 
decision taken, the plan concerted, and the period proper for exe- 
cution* fast approaching. 

Lieutenant colonel Craig, with his infantry, was posted at a plan- 
tation not tar from the eastern extremity of the Island. The caval- 
ry were camonful six or sev^^n miles from the inlantry, at different 
faf m-houses in its wt^slern quarter. At low water the inlet divid- 
ing St Joiins tVom the main was passable by infantry at two points 
oidy, both famili.ir to the enemy. That at the western extrt^mity 
of the Island wa-i full of large rocks, and could be used only in the 
day, it being necessary carefully to pick your route, which in the 
deep water was from rock to rock. About midway between the 
eastern and western extremities was the other, where no natural 
ditficulty occurred, and in the last of the ebb tide the depth of wa- 
ter was not more tha(! waist high. This was guarded by iwo gal- 
leys, the one above 'Uu\ the other below it, and within four hun- 
dred yards of each other, as near to the ford as the channel would 
permit. 

Lee's examination of their position, together with his observa- 
tions of the manner in which the captains of the galley* peitormed 
night duty, suggested tfie practicability of p;i*sinij betsveen the gal- 
levs with infantry unperceived. As soon as general Greene l»ecame 
satistied that this difficuitv could be surmounted, he determined to 
hazard the attempt, if a proper place lor the cavalry to swim across 
could be ascertained. But the deep mar'«hes which lined the shores 
seemed at iirst likely to prevent the iip iroiich of the horse. At 
lenuth m jor Eggleston, commanding the legionary cavalry, discov- 
ered a praclicible roii'e some distance below the galleys He or- 
dered one or two of his dragoons to swim to the opposite shore in 
the night t(» select firm ground, and to erect small st.ikes as bea- 
cons to guide the cavalry where lirst to strike the sliore of the Isl- 
and. This was duly executed, and reported accordingly to the 
general. 

* Only one or two nights in a month suitefl, as it was necessary that the tide 
of ebb should he nearly expenrled ;ibout midnight, tlie pinpt-r hour of passing to 
the islaf' ; ''aH it was flcsirnble to possess the advaritrige of itioonlight after 
we entered the island. Bf-^ides, then the galley rrows were most likely to be 
at rest ; and we had sufficient time before daylight to execnti: our varions nr- 
rangeinents> 



Southern Department of the United States, 383 

The day was now fixed for m ikitig the nltempt, and preparatory 
orders were issued. Lieuu riant colonel Lee, with the light corps 
aclirig under him, being ineulfioient in strength, a detachment of 
infanUy from t( e army was made n/ady and placed under lieulenaot 
colonel Laurens, who was ordered to join Lee at a given point, 
when un iiis march to the tli'^.aire of action. 

The plantation on which lieutenant colonel Craig had encamped 
wae intersected h)' m.my uitche-*, as was usual in the cultivated 
gijorid>- of South Carolin;i near the sea One of tiie-^e stretciied 
alun;^ the front of the British camp, about one hundied yards dis- 
tant from it, which atr>rded sufficient space for the infantry of Craig 
to ii-iplay in line, and which the assailants did not doubt the lieu- 
tenant colonel would seize as soon as he should discover their 
advance. 

To compensate in some measure for the advantage which the 
ground afforded to the enemy, the iufmtr_y of the attacking corps 
was rendered superior by oiie (jfh to that to be assaulted. 

Lieutpoant colonel Craig, although to all appearance protected 
from annovance by his insulated situation, did not neglect the ne- 
cessary precautions for his saf<"iy ; nor did he permit an}/ relaxation 
in discipline, or any diminution of viijilance. The chance of sur- 
prising him was not enconriging ; but being very desirable and 
po>-iible, il was determined that it should be attempted. On the 
road leading from the ford, protected by the galleys, Craig had 
placed a picquet, about a mile from the galleys ; and two miles 
further on was anotlier, at the point where the road last mentioned 
intersected another which ran longitudinally through the island. 
On the left of this point of intHrseclion, Craig was encamf'cd, three 
or four miles from it tovva'ds Charleston ; and on the riglit of the 
same point were the cavahy, a few miles dstarit towards the west- 
ern extremity of the island. Our plan wis as follows : As soon 
as the inftntry should effect its passage to the islajil, an officer of 
cavalry, who had been directed lor the purpose to accompany 
lieutenant colonel Lee, was then to return to mijur E'^gle«ton with 
orders for the cavalry to pass over, and wa' ("or the infantry near 
the road of march, which took a direction inclming to the landing 
place of the horse. 

The tirst picqoet was to be approached with the utmost secrecy, 
and then to be forced with vigour by the van, which was ordered 
to spread itself for the purpose of preventing the escape of any in- 
dividual ; and the cavalry had directions to take measures to inter- 
cept every person who mij^hi endeavour to pass in their direction. 
We ti ittered ourselves witti po^is^-ssing the picquet without much 
resistance ; and knowing that Craig was too remote to hear the 
firing;, should any occur, we hoped by the interception of every 
fugitive to stop communication with him. 

The second picquet was to be avoided, which with proper care 

was f'asihle ; when the infantry, supported by one troop of horse, 

was to advance upon Craig, while Egjiepton with the residue of 

the dragoons would fall upon the enemy's cavalry. Succeeding ifi 

'49 



386 Memoirs of the War in the 

both preliminary points, the main body could not escape the me- 
ditated surprise, which would give us an easy victory : failing in 
arresting every individual of the post, or in evading the last picquet, 
Craig would be advised of our approach, and would be prepared 
to receive us. In the latter event, we intended, by taming one of 
his flanks, in case he threw himself into tlie ditch, — of which, from 
our knowledge of his character, no doubt could exist, — to force 
hitn to change his front ; and we were so thorotighly satisfied with 
the cnaracter of our troops as to assume it as a fact, that no corps, 
even of equal force, could execute the man(Euvre in their face 
without being destroyed. In this opinion Greene concurred, and 
on it*- accuracy was rested the issue of the enterprise. However 
such a conclusion may wear the appearance of arrogance, it does 
not merit the reproach. The veteran Jtroops in the Southern army 
had attuned the highest state of discipline! Every soldier as well 
as olhi'fr Wrts conscious of his acquirements, and had experienced 
their good effect. They also knew th;it victory was not only the 
sure reward of every man's doing his duty in battle, but they were 
convmced that each man's personal safety was promoted by the 
sam>'> course. 

Thus pprsuaded, they were habitually actuated by the determi- 
n ition of conti-liiij^ entirely in their leader, their discipline, and 
their v.dour. Such Iroops will generally succeed, and, upon this 
occasion, could ^oaicely fail : for the major p^irt of Craig's infantry 
had long been in garrison at Wilmington, where they never had 
seen an eneniy in arms; and his cavalry were known to be very 
inferior to the American horse, and were separated from the in- 
faij ry. To reckon, therefore, upon victory, did not manifest pre- 
sumption ; hut only showed that Lee an I Laurens duly appreciated 
the a(!v^ntai:;es they pos-essed, and were willing to stake their re- 
putiition .mcl lives on the correctness of the estimate they had formed 
of them. * 

*The delic.icj of the ralcutation on which this enterprise was founded, and 
the confidence with which nilnuto esiimiites of character, position, and of time 
were relied upon, nftord happy illustrations of that branch of the art military, 
which has little relation to technicalities, and springs from the highest powers 
of the tnind. Bonaparte divides military genius into that which is divine, and 
that which is trrrenial (" Memnires, vol. 5, p. 76, INIoutholon.") " Achille 
<ttait filsd'une deesse & ri'uM mortel: c'est Timage du genie de la guerre; la partie 
divine c'eht tout re qui derive des consider;! tions morales du caiartere, du talent, 
<]e Pinieret de votie iidversaire; de Popinion, de I'esprit du soldat, qui est fort 
& vainqueur faihie & battu, selon qu'il croit I'etre ; la psrtie terrestre c'est les 
annfes, les retranchements, les positions, lesordres de bataille, tout ce qui tient 
a la iHimbinaison des choses materielles.'' He afterwards relates the following 
anecdote ot Turrenne, and exclaims — " voiljt qui tient h la partie divine de 
I'art. ' ^ 

In 16% Turrenne in rsconnoitering the position of the arch duke Leopold, who 
With (he gr-'at Coiidc, was besieging Arras, passed so near the .Spanish lines as 
to have ssveral of his attendants killed by dischaiges of grape shot. To his 
friends who rem(mstrated against this exposure of his person, and apprehending 
a more serious attack upon him, he replied — *' This step would be imprudent it 
IS tru«, if it was taken in fr»nt of the quarter where Conde comniandt. But 



Southern Department of the United States. 387 

The d^y appointed for the execution nf the enterpn.se now ar- 
rived (281 li l3vM:€mber). Lieulenunt colonel Laurens tnoved with 
his detaohiiK^nt lVo;n the main body towards the Ailley rivtr, for 
the o^iterisible purpose of pa^siug the river and takifig post in the 
neighbourhood of Durcliester. Halting; near Bacon's bridge until 
late in the evening, he countermarched, as if returning to camp, 
when after nightfall he turned to his left, trtkiny the route pre- 
scribed for his junction with Lee. The latter otfieer moved in the 
same evening from his position at M'Q,ueen'p plmtation. and about 
nine P. M reached the r>^ndezvous. where he was met with pre- 
cision by Laurens. The troops halted, and took the last meal for 
twenty four hours ; after which they were called to arms and were 
made acquainted with the destined object. They were told that 
the enterprise before them was replete with difficulties ; that the 
most powerful of the many which attended it would be met at the 
threshold ; that this *vas to be encountered by the iufantry, and 
could be overcome only by profound silence and strict obedience 
to orders. Success in the fiist step would in all proliabilily lead to 
complete victory ; inasmuch as the enemy was interior in number, 
divided in position., and safe, in his own presumption, from l)is in- 
sular situation. That the plan of operations had been approved by 
the general ; and the troops now united h;id been honouK^d by his 
selection of them for the purpose of concluding the camp.iign in a 
manner worthy of the zeal, courage and pjitiencc displa\ed by the 
army in all preceding scenes. They were assured that eveiy .tiffi- 
culty had been well weighed ; the best int( lligence with the best 
guides had been procured ; and that they could not be disappointed 
in reaping a rich harve-^t of glory unless ihe commandants hail de- 
ceived themselves in their estimate of their intrepidity and disci- 
pline. A burst of applause ensued from the ranks, evincing the 
delight which all felt in knowing that victory was certain, unless 
lost by their misbehaviour. 

The disposition for battle was now made. The infantry was ar- 
rayed in two columns ; that of Lee forming the right, that of Lauren's 
the left. The cavalry were also divided into two squ;u!rons : one 
third under Armstrong was attached to the infantry ; wbile the 
other two thirds, under Eggleston, were appropriated to strike at 
the enemy's dragoons, with orders as soon as they were secured to 
hasten to the suj>port of the infantry. 

Every necessary arrangement having been made, we resumed 
our march ; and, after a few miles, the cavalry filed to our lefi to 
gain its station on the river. Within an hour from this separation, 
we got near to the marsh, which on this side lines the river in the 
plane where the infantry was to pass. Here the infantry again 
halted and deposited their knapsacks, and the otlicers, dismounting, 

it IS important that I should ojjserve their position closely, and I am suJjUcitntlu 
acq'iainled with Ike Spanish service to knotc, that before ihe arch duke will be 
informed of it, and can take the advice of Condc, 1 shall be safe in mt/ own 
camp."' The next besieging army forced its entrenchments, defeated it with 
great slaughter, and saved Arras. — Ed. 



388 Memoirs of the War in the 

left their horses. Dr. Skinner, of the legion infmtry, who SOO'- 
sidered figbting as no part of his business, w.is indulged in his re- 
qne.*t ©f being intrusted with the charge of the baggage. The de* 
tachment again moved ; every man-j in his place ; and every officer 
enjoined to take sp- cial care to march in sight of his leading section., 
lest in the darkness o( the night a separation might happen. 

After some time our guides informed us that we were near the 
marsh. This intelligence was communic ited from section to sec- 
tion, and the columns were hai'ed, as had bi;en previously concert- 
ed, that every ofhcer and soldier might pull ofl boots and shoes to 
prevent the s lashing wliich they produced when wading through 
water, to be resumed when we reached the opposite shore. The 
order was instanll}' and cheerfully executed by the troops. Enter- 
ing on the m irsh, we moved very slowly, every man exerting him- 
self to prevent noise. The van, under Rudolph, reached the shore, 
and proceeded, in conl'ormity to orders, without tialling into the 
river. Lee coming up wirh the head of the column, accompanied 
bv lieutenant colonel Laurens, halted ami directed a staff officer to 
ret'irn and see that the sections were all up. We now enjoyed 
the deli:j;ht of hearing the sentinels from each gdley crying ''uWs 
safe.'''' when Rudolph with the van was passing between them 

No circumstance could have been more exhileraiing, as we de- 
rived from it a conviction liiat the difficulty most to be apprehended 
v;ould be surmounted, and ev^ry man became persuad.d from the 
evidi^nce of his o^vn senses, that an enemy assailable only in this 
way would be found off his guard, and, therefore, that victory was 
Cf stain. At this moment the staff officer returned with information 
tb'»t th.' rear colu'nu was missmij. Laurens miM)ediately went back 
to tlie high land with some of the guides and staff officers to endea- 
vour to find it. The affliction produced by this communication is 
i )de>>cri'.>able. At the \ery moment when every heart glowed with 
anticipations of splendid glory, an incident was announced which 
Di M)aced irremi^diable disappointment. 

Hour iller h'lur passed ; messengers occasionally coming in from 
Laurf-ns, and no intellignnce gained respecting the lost column. At 
Jeng h the tide, which was beginning flood when the van passed, had 
now risen so high a* to comtiel the I'ecal of Kudoiph, even had not 
th« morning been too fir advanced to adaut pers: verance in the en- 
terprise. A sergeant was sent across the inlet wiih ordtrs for the 
return of the van, and the column retired. 

Rudolph found the water, winch had not reached the waist as he 
pa>sed, up to the breast as he returned. Nevertheless every man 
got back safe ; the tallest assisting the lowest, and the ijalley senti- 
nels comiiuiing to cry " all's safe." We soon regained our baggage, 
where large tires were kindled, and our wet troops dried them- 
selve-. Here we met general Greene, who had. in confoimity with 
his plan, ptit his army in motion to draw near to the theatre of ac- 
tion, hjst a hotly of troops might be pushed across the Ashley to 
intercept the :Ut irking corps in its retr^Mt from the Islmd ; and with 
a view ot compelling the galleys to abandon tlieir station, that Loe; 



Southern Department of the United States, 38t 

tniifht retiro on the next low tide where he had passed, it being the 
nio--i convenient route. He received with resjret the unexpected 
intellijienre, rendered the more so, as iie was well assured that the 
enemy would learn the intended enterprise, and, therefore, that it 
could never be again attenijited. 

As ^oori as tite day broke, the last column — which had l»een com- 
pletely bewildered, and was, if possible, more unliappy at the oc- 
currence t?'an its chaj^rined comrades — reijained the road taken in 
the night, ■tnd was mnv discerned by those who had been searching 
for it. Liurens returned with it to our baggage ground, most un- 
happy of ll.'G unhfppy. 

On inqui'V it was ascertained that the leadin;; section, instead of 
turniui; into llie marsh, continued along the road, winch led to a 
lar<;p plantation. Here the imtoi was discovered, to which was 
adi'ed another. Instead of retracing his steps, the senior officer, 
from his anxiety lo rejoin without delay, took through the fir Ids 
under the 2;uidan(e of a negro, it being the nearest route, and again 
got lost, so very dark was tl.e night ; nor was he even able to reach 
the roid until directed by day light. 

Thus was marred the execution of an enterprise surpassed bj 
none throuijjhout our war in grandeur of design, and equalled by 
fe\v in the beo'.ttioial elfeots sure to result from its su'^cessful termi- 
nation. Censure attached no where ; for every precaution had 
been adopted to guard against the very incident wliich did occur, 
and, dark as the night was, the troops bad nearly comple'ed the 
most difhcult part of the mar; h vvirhout the least interruption. The 
officer of the heading section of Laurens's column was among the 
most attentive and trustworthy in the army, and yet the blunder 
was committed bv him which led to our ilisappoi' t n^mt. The 
w'lole corps lamented the deranging occurrence, especially Lau- 
rens, who repro>)ched himself with having lelt his column, presum- 
ing the accident would not have happened had he continued in his 
station. This presumption may be correct as that othcer was sin- 
gularly attentive to his duty ; and yet his absence being necessary,- 
it could not he better sup[)lied titan it was. The passage of tM 
river was the f ssential point, that on which the expedition bung, 
and Laurens bein<i second in command, it was deemed pruden' — as 
lieutenant colonel L^e would necessarily pass with the front coiumn 
ior the purpose of directing those m^^asures intended to be applied 
agtiinst the enemy's picqnet the moment our rear reached the isl- 
and — that lieutenant colonel Laurens should repair to the river, 
and there continue to superintend the troops as they eiilered into 
the Walter, lest the sections might crowd on each other and thus in- 
crease the noise, a cons<'q'jence to be dreaded and guarded against ; 
or, i»y entering too high up or too low down the stream, miss the 
ford and get int' deep water 

Laurens left his column by order to give his personal superin- 
tendence to this delicate operation ; and, then fore, was entirely 
exempted from any participation in the production of the unlucky 
accident which occurred. 



/.198 Memoirs of the War in the 

General Greene assuaged the so row which the baffled troops s« 
keenl)' felt by thanking them as they arrived, for the exempUiry 
manner in which they had conducted themselves, and for the ardent 
3eai they had displayed in the abo live attempt to execute the en- 
terprise committeil to their skill and courage. He lamented the 
disappointment which had occurred, but declared it to be owing to 
one of thoTie incidents which so often take place in war, and against 
which upon this occasion every precaution had been adopted which 
prudence could suggest. He attributed the accident to the dark- 
ness of the night, and, by commending all, forbad the censure of 
any. Not satisfied with this oral declaration to the troops, (he gen- 
eral, on his return to camp, addressed a leUer to each of the lieu- 
tenant colonels, repeating his thanks to them and to their respective 
corps. 

How often do we find military operations frustrated by the unac- 
countable interposition o^ accident, when every exertion in the 
power of the commandnr h is been made to prevent the very inter- 
ruption which happens ? ^o doubt these incidents generally spring 
from negligence or misconduct ; and, therefore, might tie conside- 
rably diminished, if not entirely arrest* d, by unceasing attention. 
When the van turned into the marsh, Lee, as has been mentioned, 
halted to give a minute or two for (akmg off boots and shoes, and 
did not move until lieutenant colonel Laurens, who had been sent for, 
Came up and informed liim that every section vvas in place. From this 
time Laurens continued with Lee, and in the very short space which 
occurred before the leading section of Laurens reached the point 
of turning into the marph did the mistake occur which put an end 
to our much desired enterprise. Lieiitfiiaiit colonel Lee believmg 
the intervention of mi^l!ake impracticable, as the sections weie all 
up and as the marcli through the marsh would be slower than it 
had been before, did not direct one of his statT as he had done here- 
tofore, to halt at the point where the change in the course of the 
route occurred. This onnssion cannot be excused. The precau- 
tion althougli now neailected in consequence of (he official commu- 
oica'tion then rrxeived that (lie sections were all in place, and the 
short distance to the marsh, ought still to have been observed ; — 
the fxperience of (his night proves th;it however satisfactorily the 
marcb may have been conducted, and however precisely in place 
the troops may be, yet that no preventive of mistake should be 
neo'lectpd Had the practice been followed at the la-t change of 
course, which had uniformly taken place durmg the previous march, 
the tatal error would not have been committed, nor this concluding 
tviumph to our arms in the South been lost. 

The state of Georgia might p'obably have been recovered by 
(he effects of this severe blow ; as (he nor(hern reinfircement 
oon after ioined us, and general Leslie would have found it neces- 
larv for the security of Charleston to replace the troops lost en St. 
John's Island, which could not be so conveniently done as by draw- 
in-' to him the garrison of Savannah, Hitlurto Greene had strug- 
gled to recover the country far fiom the ocean : uovf he contem- 



Southern Department oj the United States?. 391 

plated its delivery even wliere British troops were protected 
by Briti'jf) ships, but was baffloil by this night's accidorit. The spi- 
rit of disalTeclion,* which had always existed among tie inhabitants 
of Charifston, had been vigihuitiy watched by the British com- 
mander, as he was no stranger to its prevalence. When lord Haw- 
don evacuated Camden, this spirit became so formable in conse- 
quence of the success of the American arms in the South, as to in- 
duce liis lordship to continue with his army at Monk's Corner until 
the arrival of (iiree regiments from Ireland enabled him to lea^e 
behind an adequate force for ilie security of that ciiy during his re- 
sumption of offensive operations. Subsequent events promoted 
this disposition, and the capture ot the army under earl Cornwallis 
gave it full energy. Nor can it be donl'ted that, had Greene suc- 
ceeded in destroying the corps under lieutenant colonel Craig, this 
spirit would hav«^ bKon tuiiied to his co-operation, in case general 
Leslie had been so imprudent as to rely upon his reduced garrison 
for the defence of Charleston after the junction of our reinforce- 
ment tVoni the North. We may, therefore, safely pronounce that 
general Greene did not err in his calculations of restoring Geoigia 
to the Union in the event of his success against Craig, and we sin- 
cerely lament that his bold design should have been frustrated by 
the derangement which occurred. 

The army resumed it- position at Pompon, and the light corps 
returned to its camp at M'Queen's. In a \eTy few days our in- 
tended enterprise became suspected by the enemy, and excited 
merited attention. The British general made a chano;e in his posi- 
tion ; and reducing his foice in St John's island, drew it near the 
eastern point. 

Greene, baffled unfortunately in his well-digested plan, be'»-an to 
take other measures for the purpose of effecting his favourite object. 
He meditated a movement into the isthmus, on which stands Charles- 
ton, connected with an attempt to float a detachment down the Ash- 
ley in the night to enter the town in that quarter at the hour fixed 
for an assault upon the enemy's lines. 

As the scheme presented great and numerous difificulties, it was 
not to be executed unless a more attentive examination should jus- 
tify the attempt. A British galley, for some purpose not known to 
us, was stationed high up the Ashley, and obstructed the desired 
inspection of that part of the rivers. Greene expressed his wish 
that it should be destroyed, if to be done without too great a <<acri«- 
iice. Captain Rudolph, of the legion infantry, was advised by his 

• Lord Rawdon to Earl Cornwallis, May 24tli, 1781. — " Lieutenant coioueJ 
Balfour was so good as to meet me at Nelson's. l\<t took this measure that li« 
might represent his circumstances to me. He stateil that the revolt was univer- 
sal, and that, from the little reason to apprehend this serious invasion, the old 
works in Charleston had been in part levelled, to make way for new ones whicL 
were not yet constructed ; that its garrison was inac^cquHte to oppose any force 
of consequence ; and that the defection of the town's people showed itself in a 
thousand instances. I agreed with liiin in the conclusion to be drawn from thence 
that aoy rnisfortune happeaing ta my corps might entail the loss of the province;^' 



392 Memoir,'^ of the War in the 

commandant of the general's wish, and requested to discover the 
state of discipline on hoard the gfilley, and to devise a pKin lor its 
seizure. This officer gave his immediate attention to the project. 
While Rudolph was pursumg his object, iientenanf colonel Le*-' be- 
came informed of the enemy's design to beat up his quarters at 
M'Qneen's. As soon as thi-^ information w is received he drew In 
all his parties, mchulmg Rudolph, and fell back in the night three 
miles nearer to the army, vvhere he eslat)lished himself in a posi- 
tion s^o well secured !-.y rice ditche* as to place \h^. corps safe (Vorn 
nocturnal attack. The hostile detachm^-nt moved from Charitston 
about noon, drawing near to Ashley river before sjin-et. Early in 
the night it resumed its march, but did not reach M-Q,'ieen's, having 
lost its way in consequence of Uie darkness of the night. Leo re- 
turned early in the morning to his r-;liiiqui>hed position, presunr.Mg 
that he should find his disaftpointed adversary retreating hastily ; 
and !m[>ing that he should be able to derive som'^ advantage from 
the perplexity to which he would be soon driven hv fresh and vi- 
goro'is troops. Findiiig that the enemy had not advanced as far as 
M'Queen's, he proceecled towards B, icon's brid2;e, vvhnre halting, 
he learnt their misdirection, and returned to his foimer position. 

'J'he country between Dorchester and the quarter-nowse had 
been occasionaily visited by our light parties, which infringed upon 
the domain claimed by he once army of r'outh Carolina, now gar- 
rison of Charle-ton. A well concerted enterprise was projected 
by the commandant to repress the liberties taken by our light par- 
ties. Infmtry was detached in the night to occup} specified points, 
knd cavalry followed in thp morning, some forco operation with the 
infantry, and others for the seduction of our light parties It so 
happened that captain Armstrong, of the legion c;'valry, had been 
sent to Dorchester by general Greene the night before, for the 
purpose of conferring with a spy from Charleston. On the approacli 
of morning Armstrong advanced to Dorchp<ter ; and meeting the 
party of dragoons sent forward for the purpose of decoying any of 
the American detachments traversing this quarter, he rushed upon 
it. In obedience to order the enemy, thougli su[ierior in number, 
fled. Armstrong was one of the most gtllant of the brave, too apt 
to bury in the confidence he reposed in his sword, those considera- 
tions which prudence suggested. Easier to close with his flying 
foe, he pursued vehemently, and fell into the snare spread for his 
destruction. The moment he discovered his condition he turned 
upon his enemy and drove at him in full gallop. The bold effort 
succeeded so far as to open a partial avenue of retreat, which was 
seized by his subaltern and some of the dragoons. They got off; 
but Armstrong and four privates were taken, the first and only horse 
officer of the legion captured during the war. 

Previous to this the northern reinforcement under major general 
St. Clair having arrivtd, brigadier Wayne was ordered to Georgia; 
havinjT under him lieutenant colonel White, who had lately joined 
the army vvith the remains of Moylan's regiment of dragoons. 
Wayne proceeded without delay, and in a few days crossed the 



Southern Department of the United States. 393 

Savannuli river at the Two Sisters' ferry. A small corps oi Geor* 
girt militi;i, eiicainped iii the vicitiity of Augusta, was directed to f»ll 
down lu Eheiiezer, the station selected uy the brigadier for the len- 
dezvous i)f his tror)|)s. Here he was shortly reinlor(;«d hy lieuten* 
ant colonel Posey,* of the Virginia line, at the head of three hundred 
continentals froeis thr^ army of general Greene. 

Th : iininediate, object of this motion into Georgia was to protect 
the country from the inrnrsions of the gari ison of Savannah With 
that design was connected the expectation tbaL the insutficiency of 
the Uiitish force in tliat town to man its extensive works would 
probably present an opportunity of carrying the post by a nocturnal 
assault. Wayne was accortiifigly ordered, while engai;ed in exe- 
cuting the first, to give due attention to the accomplishment of the 
last object. 

As soon a= the ai'vance of the American detachment was knowa 
in Savannah, brigadier general t^litrke, who como'i.mded the royal 
forces in Geoigia, din^cted his otlicers charged wilh his outposts to 
lay wa-te tlie country with fire, and to retire with their troops and 
all the provisions the}' could collect into Savannah. This order 
ivas rigidly executcdj and the district circumjacent (o the capital 
was devastated, in consequence whereol Wayne found it neces- 
sary io draw his subsistence from South Carolina, which added 
to the ditliculties daily experienced in providing for the main army. 

The cou:it:y heretofore the seat of war in South Carolina, was 
literally without food ; and its distressed inhabitants, with the utmost 
difficulty, procured enough for bare support. That into which 
G eene had advanced was relatively well .supplied ; but still it might 
be justly con-idered a gleaned country. It had furnished the Bri- 
ti>h post at Orangeburg during tho summer : it had also supplied 
the army of lord R.iwdon when advancing upon Ninety-Six. and 
Wi>en retiring thence, and had always contributed considerably to 
the mainlenance of the troops and inhabitants in Ciuileston. 

The crnp, originally srnail in consequence of ihe habitual neglect 
of agriculture in a state of war, had been much exhausted by the 
previous drams from it before the arrival of Greene, and was, after 
that event, the sole resource of our army in South Carolina, and 
the principal one of that sent to Georgia umler Wayne. This real 
scarcity was in'-reased by the waste whicii always accompanies com- 
pulsory cdlfclion of sultsistence ; a praclice yet necessarily con- 
tinued, as ti^iC civil authority bad been but lately restored. 

The battle of the Eutaws evidently broke the fjrce and humbled 
the spirit of the royal army ; never after that day did the enemy 
exiiibit any symptom of that bold and hardy cast which had hitlierto 
distinguished them. 

Governor Rutledge being persuaded that the happy period had 

* The same officer who so gallantly seconder! brigadier Wayne in his asfault 
of Stony Point. 

Pobey commanded the column with which the brigadier marched in person, 
and was by his side when Wayne received the ball whidi fortunately only graz- 
fxi the crown of his head ; but which iaid him prostrate inc a few luoiuente. 
50 



094 Memoirs of the War in the 

at length arrived for the restoration of the government, isstied a 
proclatnution in a few weeks after the battle, of the Eutaws, con- 
vening the general ai^sembly at Jacksonborough, a small village upon 
the Eilisto river, aboi/t thirty-live miles from Charleston. Invested 
\vith dictatorial powers, the governor not only issued writs for the 
intervening elections, but also prescribed the qualitications of the 
electors. 

The right of suifrnge was restricted to those inhabitants who had 
uniformly resisted the invader, and to ; uch who, having accepted 
British protections, had afterwards united with their countrymen 
in opposition to the royal authority before t^e 27th day of Septem- 
ber : in the early part of which month the battle of the Eutaws 
had been fought. The exchange of prisoners which had previous- 
ly taken place, liberated many respectable and influential charac- 
ters too long lost to the state. 

These citzens had now returned, and were ready to assist with 
their counsel in rypaiting the desolation of war. This period pre- 
sents an intere-ling epoch in (he annals of the South. From all 
quarters wen- tiocking home our unfortunate maltreated prisoners. 
The old and the young, the rich and the poor, hastened to their 
native soil ; burying their particular griefs in the joy universally felt 
in consequence of the liberation of their country. 

They found their houses burnt, their plantations laid waste, their 
herds and flocks destroyed, and the rich rewards of a life of indus- 
try and economy dissipated. Without money, without credit with 
debilitated consti'utions, with scars and aches, this brave and patri- 
otic groiipe glorieii in the adversity they had experienced, because 
the price of their personal liberty and of national independence. 
They had lost their wealth, they had lost their liealth, and had lost 
the props of their declining years in the field of battle ; but they 
had established the independence of their country ; they had se- 
cured to tht'mselves and posterity the birth-right of Americans. 
They tbrgot past agony in the delight of present enjoyment, and in 
the prospect of happiness to ages yet unborn. From this class of 
citizens the senators were chiefly selected. On the appointed day 
the assembly convened at Jacksonborough, when governor Rut- 
ledge, in an interesting and eloquent speech, opened the session. 
The incipient proceedings of the assembly present authentic infor- 
mation of the havoc of the war and of the distress of the country, 
and convey the pleasing testimony of the mild and amiable disposi- 
tion which swayed even in this day of wrath and irritation the le- 
gislature of South Carolina. 

The length of the governor's speech forbids its entire insertion : 
extracts of it are given, with the answer of the senate, which will 
sufficiently exemplify the justice of these observations, as do the 
consequences of the amiable policy pursued by the legislature de- 
monstrate that beneficence in the sovereign is the readiest cure 
which can be applied to heal the wounds of discord and of war. 



Southern Department of the United States-. 395^ 

'' Honourable ^enlUmen of the Sennfc, Mr. Speaker, 

and tiCiillenicn of the House of Represenlatives : 

" oince the Inst meelins of a general assembly, the gnnd people 
of (his state have not only felt the common calamities of war, hiit 
from the wanton anil savage manner in which it has been executed, 
they have experienced such severities as are unpractised, and will 
scarcely be cre<iitfd by civilized nations. 

" The enemy, unable to make any impression on t}»e northern 
states, the numbpr of whose inhabitants, and t!ie strength of whose 
country, had baffled their repeated eiforts, turned their views to 
the southern, which, a difference of circumstances aflbsded some 
expectation of conquering, or at least of distressing. After a long 
resistanre, the reduction of Charleston was efl'ected by the vast 
superiority of force with which it had been besieged. Trie lo-s of 
that garrison, as it consisted of the continental troops of Virginia 
and the Carolinas, ant! of a number of militia, facilitated the ene- 
my's march into the country, and the estabhs-Mnent of strong posts 
in the upper and interior parts of it : and the unfavourable i-isiie of 
the action near Camden induced them vainly to imagine, that no 
Other army could be collected which they might not easily defeat. 
The militia commanded by the brigadiers Marion and Sumter, whose 
enterprising spirit and unremitted perseverance under many difli- 
culties are deserving of great applause, harassed and often defeased 
large parties ; but the numbers of those militia we/e too few to 
contend effectually with the collected strength of the eni'my. Re- 
gardless therefore of the sacred ties of honour, d.'stitute of the 
feelings of humanity, and determined to extinguish, if possible, 
every spark of freedom in this country, they, with the insolent 
pride of conquerors, gave unbounded scope to the exercise of their 
tyrannical disposition, infringed their public engagements, and vio- 
lated the most solemn capitulations. Many of our worthiest citi- 
zens were, wuliout caute. long and closely confined, some on board 
of prison ships, and others in the town and castle of St. Augustine. 

" But I can noiv congratulate you, and I do so most cordidly. on 
the pleasing change of affiirs, which, under the blessing of God, 
the wisdom, prudence, address and bravery of the great and gallant 
geneial Greene, and the intrepidity of the officers and men under 
iiis command, has been happily t-tlected. A general wiio is justly 
entitled, from his many signal services, to honourable and singi.'lap 
marks of your a|)piohation and gratitude. Mis successes have i)eea 
more rapid and conijilele than the most sanguine could have expect- 
ed. The enen>y compelled to surrender or evacuate every post 
which they htld in the country, frequently defeated and driven from 
place to place, are obliged to seek refuge under the walls ol(.li.trle«- 
ton, or in the Islands in its vicinity. VV(; have iv)w the full iind ab- 
solute possession of every other jiart of the state ; and llie legisla- 
tive, executive and judicial powers, are in thf i've.e. exerti-e of iheir 
resj/ective authorities. 'J'he interest and honour, the safety -md 
happiness of our country, depend so mnrh on the result of your 
deliberations, that I flatter myself you will proceed in the weighty 
business before you, with firmness and tem[)er, witlt vigour, unani 
mity, and despatch. JOHNMiUTLEDGE." - 



696 Memoirs of the War in the 

*'Tbe address of the honourable the Senate in an^-wer to the 
governor's speech. 

May it please your excellency : 

" We beg leave to return 3'oiir excellency the thanks of this house 
for your speech. 

" Any words- which we might adopt would convey but a very faint 
idea of the satisfaction we feel on the perfect leestablishnienl of 
the legislative, executive and judicial powers in this state. 

"It is with particular pleasure that we take ibo earliest oppor- 
tunity to present to your excellency our unfeigned thanks for your 
unwearied zeal and attention to the real interest oi' this country, 
and to testify our entire approbation of the good conduct cf the ex- 
ecutive since the last meeting of the general assembly. 

" We see and revere (he goodness of Divine Providence in frus- 
trating and disap[)ointing the attempts of our enemies to conquer the 
southern states ; and we trust that, by the blessing of the same Pro- 
vidence on the valour «iid intrepidity of the free cili/ens of Ame- 
rica, their attacks and enterprises will continue to be repelled and 
defeated. 

" We reflect with pleasure on the steady resolution with which 
Charleston was defended by a snuiU body of brave men against such 
a vast superiority ot t'orce ; and we gratefully acknowledge the me- 
ritorious conduct and important servires of the oliir.ers and privates 
of the militia, who stood foith in the hour of danger; whose cool- 
ness, perseverance and ardour, under a cotnidication of ditficulties, 
most justly entitle thena to the ap|dause of their country. 

" We flatter ourselves that the blood which the enemy spilled, 
the wanton devastation which has marked their progress, and the 
tyrannical system that they have invariably pursued, and which yo\ir 
excellency hath so jusily aiul pathetically described to us, will rouse 
the good peoj'le of ihi? state, and will animate them into a spirit to 
protect Itieir country, to save their rights and liberties, and to main- 
taitf at all iuizards ttieir independency. 

*' It is wiu» inexpressible pleasure that we receive your excel- 
lency's coner-itnlalions Jipon the great and glorious measures of the 
campaign, r. llie hippy change of affairs ami the pleasing prospect 
before us ; and we assure your excellency tiiat we concur most sin- 
cerely with you in acknowledging and apjilauding the meritorious 
zeal, and the very mjportmt services which have been rendered to 
this strite by the great and gallant general Grc ene, and the brave 
and ii)tre|iid otHcers and men under his command, and to whom we 
shall be happy to give the most grateful and singul;!)- testimonies uf 
our approbation and applause. 

" We are truly sensible of the immense advant;<ge which (he 
United States derive fiom the m >gnanimous prince, (heir ally. We 
have the mo-t peifert confj<!ence on his royal word, and on the 
sinrerity of bis frieiulsbip ; and we th'rdi ourselves much inde! ted 
to that illustrious mon;iich tor t.be gieat and t fl'ectual assist;ince 
which he hath been pleased to give the confederated states, and by 



Southern Department of the United States. 397 

whos^ meani he^ have been enabled to humble the pride of Bri- 
tain, ml lo estdb ibh tlieir indej>en(Jenc} upon ihe most perniauent, 
basis. 

'• The importance of the several matters which your excellency' 
haUi lecoujuitinaeci lo our couauleration is so evident that we shall 
pioceed to ueliber.ile upon them with all possiole despulcii ; and 
we tl^tlier ourselves Viiai our business will be canned on with (ein- 
per, linauess, and uuauiiiiity. 

J. L. GERVAIS, President." 

During this session a law was passed, prescribing a mode of pro- 
vidiUij, ior tlie sut.fij^tence of the army by the civil autiiority. No 
reijoiaiion was more requisite ; as the mililary process was grating 
to our iellow citizens, wasteiul of the resources of the country, 
inconveiueni to the army, and repugnant to the feelings of soldiers, 
WHO believed themselves to be in heart as in name tiie delenders of 
liueriy, lieiori to compulsion had been loiced upon the gentiral 
by necessity, though in every way objectionable ; and which ought 
never lo be tolerated tor a moment when avoidable. In pursuance 
oi power invested by this law, the governor appointed Vv^iljiatn 
HioC agent ibr the stale. Tnis gentleman executed the duties of 
his -laiion with intelligence, zeal, and diligence ; and very much 
couiMouied lo our support, without offence to the husbaudaieo, 
and with very little am Irom the army. 

But such was the real scarcity of the primary articles of subsis- 
tence, luat vvi.lj M the exertions (and tliey were greal) of the agent, 
want continued to haunt the camp, which compelled general Greene 
to coiiinbute, upon some occasions, his assistance to the authoritv 
of the laws. 

Brigadier Marion, although a colonel in the line of South Caro- 
lina, had been chosen a member of ihe legislature ; and oefore he 
sat out for Jaci4?ouborough, had selected a siation for his milaia 
near the Santee iiver, remote from Cnarlestun. his. absi^ice 
from his command, notvvithslanding the distance of the selected 
position, inspired the enemy with a hope that a corps which nad 
heretofore been invulnerable might now be struck. A detachment 
©f cavaliy was accordingly prepared for the meditated enterprise, 
and placed under the orders ot lieutenant colonel Thompson, i his 
oliioer having passed the Luoper r.vt-T near Charleston, late in ihe 
evening, [Jioceeded towards tiie S.mtee. Obseiviug the 'Tealest 
secrecy, and pushing lus iuarch with diligence, he fell upon tne 
miliLia camp helore the dawn of day, and compietel}' louied (he 
corps, yome were kiih.d, some wounded, and the rest disper^^ed 
with little or no loss on the part oi the British. Major Benson 
an aciive officer, was among tlie killed. 

Thompson h.sslened back to Cnarlest m with his detachment * 
and Marion, returning from Jacksonborough, leassem'jled his mi- 
litia. 

Captain Rudolph, who I al t een charge' vr.th the de- action of 
the British ^ailey io the \.:hiey rivcr, althjiij^u often iniciiupt^d by 



398 Memoirs of the War in the 

other duties, had never intermitted his attention to that object. 
Early in March, sofnetinie after the dispersion of the militia near 
the 8antee, the captain presented his plan to lieutenant colonel 
Lee, who communicated it to the general. It was founded on the 
facility he had discovered with which boats going to market vvith 
provisions passed the galley. 

Rudolph proposed to place in one of these boats an adequate 
force, disguising himself in a countryman's dress, and disgui>uig 
three or tour of his soldiers in the garb and colour of negroes. I'he 
boat was to be stored with the usual articles for Charleston market, 
under the cover of which he concealed his armed men, v.iiile him- 
self and his four negroes should conduct the boat, llis plan was 
approved ; and lieutenant Smith, oi' the Virginia line, who had 
been very instrumental in acquiring the intelligence on wnn.h the 
project was grounded, was united to the captain in its execution, 
h^very thing being prepared vvith profound secrecy, Rudolph and 
Smith embarked vvith their parties at a concealed lauding place, nigh 
up the Ashley, on the night of liie 18th of March. Beivveerx three 
and ibur in the morning, Rudolph got near to the galley, when the 
sentinel hailed the boat. Me w.is answered in the negro dialeci that 
it was a market boat going to Charleston, and asked permission to 
proceed. In re[)ly, the boat was ordered to hale along side, as the 
captain of the galley wished to purchase some provisions. Rudolph 
obeyed ; and as soon as he got along side threw some of his poultry 
on deck, his disguised negroes at the same time takmg fast hold of 
the galley. 

On a signal from Rudolph, Smith and his soldiers rose and board- 
ed the galley. The sentinel and a few others were killed : some 
escaped in the darkness of the night by throwing themselves into 
the river; and the captain with twenty eight sailors were captured. 

The galley mojnled twelve guns besides swivels, and was manned 
with forty-three seamen. Rudolph did not lose a man ; and after 
lakin«y out such stores as he found on board the galley he burnt her, 
and returned to his place of embarkation. 

Thus the tone of enterprise continued high and vigorous on 
our side, while low and languishing with the enemy. The novelty 
of this successful attempt attracted notice in Charleston : and such 
was the state of despondency which prevailed in its garrison, as to 
wive currency to opinions calculated still further to depress the 
humbled spirit of the British soldier. When it was found that even 
their floating castles, the pi ide and bulwark of Englislunen, were 
succes-fullv assailed by landsmen, the quarter of the town, which 
was accessible by water, necessarily became an object of jealousy. 
Every alarm in the night excited dire apprehensions : sometimes 
Greene was moving to force their lines, at other times he was 
floating down the Ashley ; and in one way or other he was ever 
present to their disturbed imaginations. 

But such fears vvere illusory. After a critical examination of 
the enemy's situation, no point was found vulnerable ; and the gen- 
eral was ol^liged to relinquish any altemp; on Chiirleston. He ne- 



Southern Department of the United States. 399 

Teithele«s indulged a hope that Wayne might discover an opening 
to strike the po:<t of Savannah, where the garrison amounted scarcely 
to one thousand nnen, too small tor the extensive works before that 
town ; and he held rendy therefore a chosen corps to reinforce 
Wayne whenever requisite. 

At t!.is jun-ture tre;isou had found its way into our camp. The in 
activity which had succeeded the series of hold and vigorous ser- 
vice was a fit season for recollection of grievances long endured, 
and which, being severely felt, began to rankle in every breast. 
Hunger sotnetitnes pinched, at other times cold oppressed, and al- 
wayx want of pay reminded us as well of the injustice of our govern- 
noent as of our pressing demands upon it. The Pennsylvania line 
had joined the army "j^the soldiers of which being chieHy foreio-n- 
ers, were not so disposed to forget and to forgive as our native 
trooj)s. Even heretofore this line had pu.-^hed their insubordination 
80 far as to abandon in a body the commander in chief, to drive oli" 
their oflicers, to commit the eagles to base hands, and to march un- 
der the orders of leaders elected by themselves. 

They justified this daring mutiny by referring to their contract 
of enlistment, which they alleged had been violated ; and it must 
be a«lmitted that this allegation was too well founded. Soldiers 
who had enlisted for three years had been detained after the period 
of their service expired, under the pretext that they had enlisted 
for the war. As soon as this injustice was redre&sed, raid some 
pecuniary accommodation rendered, all not entitled to their dis- 
charge returned to their duty. 

The violation of contract is always morally wrong ; and however 
it may sometimes yiehl present good, it is generally overbalanced 
by subsequent injury. The government which is'undei the neces- 
sity of resorting to armed men, enlisted for a term of service, to 
protect its rights, ought to take care that the contract of enlistment 
is fair as well as legal, and that it be justly executed ; or they afford 
a pretext for incalculable ills, which, though often avoided from 
the force of circumstances, are sometimes productive of irreparable 
misfortunes to the nation. Every effort was made at the time by 
the enemy to turn this menacing occurrence into the deepest in- 
jury ; but the fidelity of the revolting troops remained invulnera- 
ble ; the best possible apology for their pievious conduct. 

The present mutiny was marked by a very difl'erent character. 
It was grouided on the breach of allegiance, and reared in all the 
foulness of perfidy. Greene himself was to be seized and delivered 
to the enemy. How could treason ascend higher ? 

A Serjeant in the Pennsylvania line took the lead in this darino- 
conspiracy ; a soldier heretofore much esteemed, and possessing- 
talents adapted to the enterprise. No doubt exists but that he and 
his associates held continual correspondence with the enemy, and 
that a plan had been concerted for the protection of the mutineers by 
the co-operating movements of the British force. 

The vigilance and penetration of Greene could neither be eluded 
nor overreaf;hed. He well knew that the soldiers were discon'- 



400 Memoirs of the War in the 

tenled ; nor was he insensible to the cau.-^e of their complaints. 
But he coiitided in the reclituile of congress, and in the well tried 
fidelity ol' uiai portion of the army which had so often fought by his 
side. He nevertheless dreaded the etft^cts of the wiles of the irt- 
ful and wicked, wfien applied to the inflammable mass arc tind him. 

To the enemy's camp and to that description of his troops most 
likely to forget ^elf-respect and patriotism, he directed ii.s close and 
vigorous attention. From both he drew inforih.ition whici; Cdji- 
viiiceil him that his apprehensions wpre not groimdiess. Rf doub* 
ling his exertions, as well to discover the plan and progress of the 
conspirators as to thwart their designs, he learnt that the serjeatit, 
supposed to be the leadt^r, hads by indu ging unwarily the fr^e de- 
claration of his sentiments, subjected himself to martial law. and 
alarmed all the faithful soldiers, who, though prone to unite in the 
declarations of the wrongs they had suffered, and of their determin- 
ation to obtain redress, had never entertained a thought of extcut- 
ing their views by the pro^tilution of military subordination, much 
less bv the perpetra!ion of the blackest treason, of the basest ingra- 
titude. Greene, acting with his usual decision, ordered the arrest 
and trial of the serjeant. This order was immediately executed ; 
and the prisoner being by the court martial condemned to die, the 
sentence of the court was forthwith carried in effect. (2'5d April.) 

Some others, believed to be associates with the serjeant, (among 
whom were Peters and Owen«) domestics in the general's family, 
were also tried ; but the testimony was not deemed conclusive by 
the court. Twelve others deserted in ihe coorse of the night, and 
got safe to Charleston. 

Thus the decisive conduct of the general crushed instantly this 
daring conspiracy; and the result proved, as often happens, that 
.although the temper of complaint and of discontent pervaded the 
army, but few of the soldiers wer-^ in reality guilty of the criminal 
intentions wliich were believed at first to have spread far through 
the ranks. 

While the arrests and trials were proceeding in our camp, and 
while general Gieene continued to watch the movements of the 
enemy, they disclosed a spirit of adventdro, which had been for 
so.me months doitnant. Large bodies of horse and foot were put 
in motion ; some of w iiich, in the course of the nif^ht, approached 
us with unusual confidence. This baldness tended io coniirrn the 
su picions before entertained that the enemy was not only afiprised of 
thv intentions of our mutineers, but had prepared to second their 
(jesirns. General Greene, feeling his critical situation, contented 
hinjself for the present with detacliing select parties to hover around 
the enemy for the purpose of observing his motions, with the de- 
tertuination to strike his adversary as soon as he should find his 
army restored to its pristine discipline and character. On the 
mornin"- after the execution of the traitor, capt;iin O'Neal of 
24ih. ^j^|, K -'..Ml cavalry fell in with a body of the enemy's horse 
un<lei major Frazer. 

O'Neal being very inferior in strength to his antagonist, retired^ 



Southern Department of the United States, 401 

and was vigorously pursued by Frazer. During his flight l\e per- 
ceived i\ second body of t!ic enemy in po?se?si')r) of his line of re- 
treat. He was now compelled to chntige his course ; and wiih the 
utmost diiliculty escaped himself, after losing ten of his drngoons. 
Frizer bad advanced as high as Stan's bridge, the place assigned 
for the reception of that portion of the conspirators who bad under- 
taken to betray the perst)u of theii general. On bis rettirn he was 
met by O'Neal, not far from Dorche.»ter. This v\as Ibe vole advan- 
tage resulting to the enemy in a conjuncture from which he expected 
to derive signal benetit. 



CHAPTER XXXV II. 



Ti 



HE unexpected events which had occurred in the preceding 
campaign, when known in England, attracted universal attention, 
and produced a determination (o put a period to the war in America. 
In accordance with this resolution instructions were forwarded to 
the commander in chief of the royal forces, who conformed his sub- 
sequent measure* to the change in the system of administration ; 
further waste o/ life being in his opinion unnecessary. His lieute- 
nant in South Carolina, major general Leslie, proposed to general 
Greene a cessation of hostilities. This propr»sition was rejected by 
the American general, as his powers did not reach the subject. He 
consequently communirafed the same to congress, who alone could 
give tiie requisite authority. 

General Leslie finding his pacific overture unavailing, was com- 
pelled to pursue meastires to obtain supplies for his troops, al- 
though sure to produce the sacrifice of individuals in both armies ; 
a sacrifice which he anxiously desired to avoid For tlii^ purpose 
incursions into our territory were occasionally attempted ; some- 
times with success, but generally the British detachments were 
forced to regain their lines without the accomplishment of their 
views. 

This little warfare, always irksome, unless the prelude to grand 
operations, was peculiarly so to troops inured to the most interest- 
ing scenes nl' war, and conscious that those scenes could never be 
renewed. Men of the sword only can appreciate this condition of 
war, the most revolting to every real soldier Inquietude and ill 
humour could not fail to prevail, especially in the American camp ; 
where want of clothes, want of food, and empty purses, were super- 
added. Amid these a new cause of uneasiness was excited. Lieu- 
tenant colonel Laurens, who became a prisoner on the fall of 
Charleston, had been exchanged by congress out of course, which 
was much di*relislied by our officers in the hands of the enemy ; as 
they considered every departure from the usage of war not only 
unjust in principle, but cruel to themselves in application. This 
usage secures to every prisoner his exchange in turn ; and un- 
51 



402 Memoirs of the War in the 

doubtedly, as a general rule, is unexceptionable. Deviations from 
it ought rarely to be admittpd, and then only from a strong cause. 
In support of the present deviation, it was contended ibat tiie war 
raged in South Carolina. Laurens's native country ; that his a-cknow- 
ledged talents would therefore be singuVarly useful in that theatre -; 
and moreover, that he was aid-decamp to the commander in chief, 
and consequently was an exception to the general rule. No doubt 
these reasons are forcible, and will always have weight with the so- 
vereign They did not however tranquillize the feedings which the 
occurrence had excited. Lieutenant colonel Laurens, after joining 
the southern army, continued in the fomily of general Greene, wait- 
ing for some change of circumstances which might enable the gene- 
ral to fix him permnnently in the line of service. This Greene 
was tery desirous of effecting: not only because the resolution of 
congress authorizing his exchange called indirectly for it, but the 
commander in chief required it frr.m his own conviction of the worth 
and capacity of this excellent otliccr. 

Notwithstanding these high authorities, notwithstanding his own 
jncbnation and Laurens's reputation, stubborn diflicullies interposed, 
not to be readily vanquished. Officers of the highest merit, who 
had served under himself from his accession to the command of the 
southern army, to wtiom he owed, and to whom he felt, every obli- 
gation which a general can owe or feel, must be supplanted or over- 
looked 10 make way for the desired appointment. 

Lieutenant colonel Lee had become incapable from ill health of 
continuing in commnnd of the light troops, and had obtained leave 
of ^'bsence. This contingency produced a vacancy which the general 
had the clear right of supplying at his will. The occurrence of- 
fered some relief to the embarrassment into which the resolution 
of congress and the wishes of the commander in chief had involved 
gent'ral Greene ; but as the vacant station was the most desirable 
within his gift, because the most honourable, the preferment of an 
otScer v/ho had not shared in the arduous struggle just closed, to 
the many who had, in every vicissitude of his eventful campaign, 
covered themselves with glory, did no* comport with justice, and 
could not escape animadversion. To smooth the ditficulties which 
intervened, the general had associated Laurens with lieutenant co- 
lonel Lee in the exi)edition against St. John's island, hoping that 
the brilliancy of success, would cover the substitution of the second 
for the first, as soon as that officer should retire. But unfortunately 
the attempt failed, and the general lost the aid which he expected 
to derive from the m;igic power of victory. In this perplexing 
situation some of general Greene's confidential advisers did not 
he«itate to urge him lo recede fVom his purpose, upon the ground 
of the superior pretensions of officers, whose services imposed 
upon him primary attention. Nor would this counsel have been 
unavailing, had not the general been persuaded that his omission 
to employ lieutenant colonel Laurens would be considered as dis- 
respectful to the commander in chief One of Greene's aid de- 
camps had been for some time at headquarters ; and from this gea- 



Sotitkern Department of the United States. 40S 

Heman was deiived (he inform;ition which led to the above conclu- 
sion. He h:id he;ird insin)ation9 in the ;"<imiiy of Washington which 
lisped these *entimen(s. It was mote than once s«ug2;ested that the 
general of tlie South had l)een less communicative llian wa« ex- 
pected ; and even allusions to the conduct and fite of Gates were 
occasion;»lly made, which clearly imported the possihilitv, if not 
probability, that the conqueror in the South, like the conqueror 
in the North, might become the rival of the commander in chief. 
In justice to general Washiniiton it was acknowledged that senti- 
ments of this sort never fell from his lips, or in his presence. Ne- 
vertheless when tho-e around him ventured to hold such language, 
it could not nut inspire unpleasant feelings in the breast of Greene. 

General Greene determined, at every hazard, to afford no just 
cause for such unjust suspicions. He declared his conviction that 
Washington himself would spurn such insinuations, unless his mind 
should have been previously poisoned by artful and designing men, 
possessing his esteem and confidence. 

He lamented that the motives which actuated his conduct must,, 
from their nature, be concealed ; a.s he was persuaded that the very 
o.Oicers themselves, whom he apparently neglected, would iipprove 
the course in the then stage of the war, when every opportunity 
lor the acquirement of military reputation was probably finally 
closed. 

In consequence of this resolution, as soon as lieutenant colonel 
Lee took leave, the general new modelled the light corps.* giving 
it additional strength. By this arrangempnt he was warranted in 
calling a general olficer to its direction, and consequently avoided 
those just cornplaiuts which must have arisen among his lieutenant 
colonels, had the command been continued in that grade, and had 
any other than a lieutenant colonel of his own aroiy been honoured 
with it. 

Brigadier Gist, of the Maryland line, who had lately reached 
headquarters, was placed at the he ^d of the augmented corps, hav- 
ing under him colonel Baylor, of the third regiment of dragoons, 
wlio had also lately joined, and lieutenant colonel Laurens. The 
first commanded the cavalry, and the last the infantry. 

* Headquarters, camp near Bacon's bridge. 

GetiRral Gist nill takn command of the light troops, which will consist of the 
ifbllou'ilig corps, viz. 

The cavalry of the legion, and the cavalry of the third and fourth regiments 
under the. command of colonel Haylnr. 

The infantry of thn legion, the di.sinniinted dragoons of the third regiment 
the Delaware regiment, and one hundred men properly officered, fit for light in- 
fantry service, under major Beall. to be immediytely detached from the line, and 
the whole of the infantry to be commanded by lieutenant colonel Laurens. 

General Gist will make such further arrangements as he may find iiecessarr; 
but that the service may be accommodated as much as possible to the constitu« 
tion of the cavalry corps, whenever the cavalry ol any corps are ordere;! out, 
and infantry are wanted, the infantry belonging to such corps will march with it. 

Extract from the general orders of the l3tb June, 178i2. 

JOS. HARMAR, lieut. col. deputy adjutant genexaf. 



404 Memoirs of the War in the 

However judicious the course adopted by general Greene to give 
effect to the wishes of the commander in chief had been, disagreea- 
ble consequences nevertheless ensued. In the reorganization of 
the light corps, the cavalry of the third regiment and of the legion 
had been united ; as had been the infantry of the legion with Kirk- 
wood's Delawares, for the parpose of forming a command for lieu- 
tenant colonel Laurens. 

The separation of the horse and foot of the legion now for the 
first time took place, and gave considerable umbrage and inquietude 
to the officers and soldiers. The tirst considered the constitution 
of the corps sacrificed, and the last had been so long habituated to 
fight side by side, that they were very unwilling to commute ap- 
proved and beloved comrades for any others, however brave. 

The legion otfioers gave vent to their feelings in a remonstrance 
to the g(.>neral, couched in terms not the most loyal. Greene re- 
plied with moderation, firmtiess and dignity, and adhered to his 
adopted system. This vvas followed by the re>ignation of every 
officer in the legion, a result as unexpected as inconvenient. The 
gerirral laui«tived the rash stop, but did not condescend by any re- 
laxation in his mea'Jures, or remoditication of the light troops, to 
avert it. He, however, reminded the remonstr.mts of their right 
of appeal to Congress, who would no doubt correct the proceed- 
ings of their generals, whenever they might invade (he rights or 
cancel the privileges of any portion of the troops submitted to their 
direction. The officers had acted under the impulse of first im- 
pre«sions, which, though honest, are not always correct. Passion 
had now subsided, and the temerity of their conduct became ex- 
posed to their view. They cheerfully seized the opportunity pre- 
sented by the general's suggestion, withdrew their resignations, and 
com'tiitted their ca.ee to the controlling power of Congress. 

The inhabilants of the state of South Carolina had been for seve- 
ral moiith< in the peaceable enjoyment of legal government, with 
the exception of the metropolis, and a small range of country upon 
the Little Pedee river. A mijor Ganey, with his band of royal- 
ists, resided here ; and, in'^olated as they were, still resisted. Bri- 
gadier Marion had, in June 1781, entered into a formal treaty with 
Ganey and his associates, by which th^y were pardoned for past 
offences (both numerous and atrocious,*) secured in their estates 
and in the rights of citizen>;hip, upon the coiidiiion that they would 
return to the rightful owners all plundered properly ; that they 
would renounce for ever allegiance (o his Britannic majesty, and 
demean thsmselves hereafter as became peaceable citizens. This 
treaty was no renewed, with the condition that such of the royal- 
ists as preferred removing into the British lines might do so, and 
take with them their propeity. 

* Among the many murders and burning of liouses perpetrated by this ban- 
ditti, that of colonel Kobb was singularly airorious. A party of them, led by 
a captain Jones, surprised the colonel on a visit to his family. He defended his 
house, until he was induced, by the promisu of personal safety, to surrender as 
a prisoner of war ; when he was immediately murdered in the presence of his 
wife and children, and his house burnt. 



Southern Department of the United States. 405 

The wise and forgivins; policy which dictated the course pursued 
by M.:rion, was Htlended with the happiest con^equenres. Bitter 
enpmies were converted into warm friends ; and many of these re- 
claimed citizens enrolled themselves in the corps of Marion, ready 
to tight by the sides of their countrymen, whose lives they had 
sought by night and by day from the fall of Charleston to the period 
of this tre«ty, 

Durinsi these transactions in South Carolina, brigadier Wayne 
pursued with vigour his operations in Georgia. At the head of a 
force equal only to half of that oppo-ed to him, he nevertheless 
exhibit'^d that daringness of character which marked his military 
life The signal chastisement inflicted by major general Grey at 
the Panli, in the campaign of 1777, with some minor admonitions, 
had, it is true, subjected this natural propensity in some degree to 
the control of circumspection. While in command before Savannah, 
his orders, his plans, his motions, all bespoke foresight and vigi- 
lance ; and although he played a hazardous game, he not only 
avoided detriment or affront, but added to the honour of our arms. 
The pacific policy lately adopted by the British general, and to 
which brigadier Clarke invariably adhered, contributed not a little 
to a result so favourable to our views. 

The British general rarely sent detachments into the country, 
and only once in considerable force : never with a view of provok- 
ing resistance, but always with the expertafion of accomplishing 
his object Iiy the secrecy and celerity of his measures. About the 
middle of May he received information of an intended tradins visit 
from some of bis Indian friends, then considerably advanced on 
their route to Savannah. To protect this party from the corps 
under Wayne, to which it would be exposed in its progress, lieu- 
tenant colonel Browne (who had been exchanged soon after his 
surrender of Augusta) was detached by brigadier Clarke on the 
19th, with three hundred and fifty infantry and a squadron of caval- 
ry. Browne advanced as far as Ogeeche to meet the Indians ; but 
beins disappointed, he moved early in the morning of the 21st. to 
regain Savannah. It appears that a dispute having arisen between 
the warriors of (he Overhill Creeks, from which tribe this trading 
partv came, had occasioned a delay for a tew weeks ; otherwise 
the Indians wouhl have reached the Ogeeche the very eveoino- 
Browne arrived there. 

Wayne discovered, on the ^Olh. that a detachment of the enemy 
had passed tVom Savannah to the Os^eche ; and he took his mea- 
surn"! forthwith to intercept it on its return. With this view his 
cor{»s (about five hundred elTpctives. mostly infantry, with three 
grasshoppers,) were put in motion. The van consisted of one com- 
pany of light infantry and a section of dragoons, under the orders 
of captain Alexander Parker. This officer was directed to hasten 
his march through woods and swamps, and to seize a causeway on 
which Browne must necessarily pass. Parker was ordered, when- 
ever he met the enemy, to reserve his fire, and to fall upon him 
with sword and bayonet. Wayne followed with the. main body, to 



406 Memoirs of the War in the 

support his van. About ten in the forenoon captain Parker reached 
the causeway, when he discovered a small pafrole ot cavalry in liis 
front. Each advancing, the two parties soon met, when captain 
Parker accosted the leading tile, and demanded the countersign. 
Confounded or deceived, the British officer, instead of fnlimg back 
upon Browne, approached Parker in the attitude of friendship He 
now discovered his mistake, but too late to extricate himself, ;>n(l 
was witb his patrole taken, except one draaoon, who got back to 
colonel Browne, moving in column to sustain his van, with his ca- 
valry in front. 

Lieutenant Bovvyer, who commanded our horse, was ordered to 
charge, which was executed with decision. Bowyer was sup[iorted 
by Parker with his infantry. The British cavalry were thrown 
into confusion ; and, as Brovvne's whole force was in column on the 
causeway, from whence there was no moving to the right or left, 
the substitution ofliis infantry for his cavalry became impracticable, 
and the British colonel was obliged to fall hack. This was accom- 
plished without loss, as general VVnyne did not get up in time to 
improve the advantage gained by Parker. Two of our van were 
killed and three were vvoimded. We took major Alex inder, se- 
cond in command, and eighteen dragoons, wit!) their horses and 
furniture. Wayne had been delayed by the swamps, which in the 
South invari;ibly present stiib!)orn difficulties to the march of troops. 

As soon as he reached Parker he pursued the enemy ; but all 
his endeavours to renexv the action proved abortive, and Browne, 
made good his retreat to Sarannah. 

The Indians, whom lieutenant colonel Browne expected to meet, 
would have rendered his corps sup -rinr to th it under W>yn<^. when 
the encounter might have terminated differentlj'. Gener-d Wayne 
seems either to have been unapprizpil of this intended junctin, oc 
to have disregarded it ; for he pressed forward to strike his foe, 
regardless of ground or numI)or. 'he forluifons success of such 
conduct, encourages the ardent soldier to put himstPupon bis for- 
tune and his courag.^, — overlooking those numerous, sure and ffec- 
tnal .lids to bedra^vn from accurate intelligence and due circ m-:)ec- 
lion. Fottiuie at le iglh forsakes him. no prop remain? to supjiort 
him but his courage, and he falls a victim of bis own presumption ; 
honoured for his bravery, but condemned for ?iis temerity. 

Some weeks before general Clarke made this attempt to secure 
the safe entry of his Indian friends into Savannah, Wayne hud in- 
tercepted a tradiig party of the Creeks on their way to the British 
ffarrison. Of these the American general detained a few as hosta- 
ges, and permitted the re<t to return to their own country. This 
generous treatment seems to have inspired apprehensions in Savan- 
nah, that its effect would diminish the British influence among the 
Creeks ; an event deprecated by the enemy in case of continuance 
of the war, which, though improbable, might nevertheless happen. 
Therefore it was thought proper to prevent, by suitable succour, 
the interruption, of tnis second visit. To that end Browne had 
been detached. Not only, as^ has been aeen, did the effort fail, 



Southern Department of the United States, 407 

but it was followed by a disaster very unpleasant to the enemy, and 

in II? cuaclusiou preguaiu with cause ot regret to ourselves. 

Gunscessi^o, a principal w.iirior .tmong llie Cret-ks, conducted 
the piit^ of lijtlians lately expected by Clarke. Altiiough he did 
not arrive at the appoiuied rendezvous so as lo meet Browne, he 
veactied il in the lat'er part of the succeeuii!^ njuutli. 

This warrior, accompanied by his white guide», passed through 
the whole slate of Georgia uuperceived, excej)! by iwo boys, who 
utire taiven aiul killed ; and having reached the neighbourhood of 
Wayne on the 2od of June, he dfterrnined to sliike at a |Jicquet 
of liie Ainericau corps stationed, as he was informed, at Giubons's 
pla.'itatiou, directly on the route to and not far distant from yavau- 
Qah. 

There were two plantations so called, in the same range of coun- 
try, both of which were occasionally stations for our troops. At 
this time Wayne himself with the main body occupied one, while 
the other was on the same day (ii2d) held by a picquet guard. Not 
only to avo'.d Wayne, but to cany this picquet, became the object 
of Gurisier-.igo ; and lia acquired through his while conductors the 
requisite intelligence, with negro guides Ibr tlie execution of hie 
purpose. 

VVayne, in pursuance of a system adopted to avoid surprise (ot 
which the Indian ciiit f was uninloimed), moved every night ; and 
conseqnenlly the calculation that he would be on Itie 2ord where 
he li;al been on the 2~d, was unfounded, i he reverse was the fact, 
which would iindouutedly have been perceived by Guristersigo had 
he been acquainted .vith (he custom of the American general, 
and his plan of attack uould have been modified accordingly. De- 
camping from Gibbons's lute in the evening of the 22d, VVi.yne ex- 
changed po:;iiions with his picquet, and thus fortunatt-ly held the 
very post against which the Indian warrior had pointed his attack. 
Here the light infantry under Parker (who had been tor several 
days close to Savannah) joined, and being much harrassed by the 
late tour of duty, was ordered by the brigadier lo take po^t near 
his artillery, in the rear. Knowing but one enemy, the g;;i risen of 
Savannah, VVayne gave his entire attention to thai quarter; and 
conscious, from his pr.. cautions, that no movement could be m.ule 
by the enemy in Savannah without due notice, he forbore to burden 
his troops with the protection of his rear, because in liis opinion 
unnecessary. A single sentinel only from the quarter-guaid was 
posted in the rear, on the main road leading throngii iht: camp to 
Savannah, and the very road which Guristeisigo meant to lake. 

Soon aller nightfall the Indian cltief at the head ol his warriors 
emeiged from the deep swamps, in which he had lain concealed 
and gained the road. He moved in profound silence, and about 
three in the morning reached the vicinity of our camp ; here he 
halted, and made his disposition for battle. Believing that he had 
to deal with a small detachment only, his plan of attack was simple 
and efilicient. Preceded by a lew of the mosi subtle and danoi of 
Itis comrades, directed to surprise and kill the sentinel, he held him- 



408 Memoirs of the War in the 

self ready to prp.ss forward with the n):iiti body upon the &ignal to 
adv^aoce. This w;is not Ion* delayed. His wily precdrsois h iv;ng 
encompassed our «entinel, killed him, when Gunsterjiigo, bout,diii<y 
from his stand, tell with his whole force upon our reaf. Arous^ed 
from sleep, the light intliritiy stood to their .irms, and the matro.-ses 
closed with their guns. 

But the eri^my was amongst them ; which being perceived by 
Parker, he judiciously drew off in silence cind joined the qu;uter- 
guard behind Gibbonf<\s house at headquarters. Tlie jieneial h<id 
about this time inoutited. and, concluding that the <;;;frrison of Savan- 
nah was upon him, he resorted to the bayoner, determined to die 
sword in [»and. Orders to this effect were given to Parker and 
despatched to lieutenant colonel Pojiey, commandmg in camp dis- 
tant a few hundred yards. Captain Parker, seconded by the quar- 
ter-guard, advanced upon the foe ; and Posey moved with alt possi- 
ble celerity to support the light troops, but did not arrive in time 
to share in the action. Wayne, participating with his light cuips 
in the surrounding dangers, was now dismounted, his hor-e being 
killed ; the light troops, nevertheless, continued to press f)rward, 
and Parker drove ail in his way back to our caimon, where the In- 
dian chief with a part of his warriors was attempting to turn our 
guns to his aid. Here Guristersigo renewed the conflict, and fou-^ht 
gallantly ; but the ritle and tomahawk are unavailing when confront- 
ed by the bayotiet in close quarters. We soon rc>covered our ar- 
tillery, and Guristersigo, tighling bravely, was killed. Seventeen 
of his warriors and his white guides fell by his side, the rest tied.* 

* The narrative in the text is founded chiefly on information contributed by 
captain PaiUer, (the late general Alexander Parker, of Virginia,) who was per- 
sonally and conspicuously engaged in the rencontre. Soon after the appear- 
ance of tiie lUPMioirs, {general Posey, who was thca in the Senate of the U. S. 
sent to the author, the following statement, with a letter from ;<eneral Parker, 
attesting its correctness. The veracity of Posey was as unquestioned as Lis 
courage, aud it is satisfactory to be able to render htm justice in his own words. 

Ed. 

^i statement in Lee^s memoirs of the war in the southern department of the Uiii- 
ted Stales, corrected, relative to the encounter which general Waiine had with 
the Creek Indians, in the state of Georgia, on the night of the 2,3d of June, 
J 782. 

Tlie army en that night was disposed agreeably to general orders in the fol- 
lowing manner. The artillery, the cavalry, and the light infantry of Posey's 
leginient, commanded by captain Alexandei Parker, were arranged in proper 
order, at the lower Mrs. Gibbon's, (disiinguislied in that way, there being two 
widow ladies of the same name, where the troops were encamped alleinatelv) 
with a guard and chain of sentinels in the rear, aiid Posey's regiment posted a 
few bundled yards on the road leading by .Mrs. Gibbon's to Savannaii, with a 
proper disposition of guards, and a chain of sentinels in front. Major S.imucI 
Findle)', was witii the regiment, Posey having received orders to remain with 
general Wayne that night, the regiment being witliin so short a distance. The 
whole of the troops had for several weeks been doing hard duty, every night 
lying down in their ranks with their clothes and accoutrements on, and their 
arms by their sides, and almost worn out with fatigue in watching and loss of 
test, in constant expectation that the British would either come out of Savan- 
nah in force for action, or that we might have an opportunity of falling in wiil^ 



Southern Department of the United States. 409 

Now it was discovered that the assailing foe was not from Savan-- 
nah. Although surprised at the extraordinary occurrence, Wayne 

foraging parties. The account general Lee gives until he commences with the 
attack nirtHe by Guiistersigo is correct, except as to the disposition of the troops 
above stated. 

When the attack was made, it was with such fury and violence, at a dead 
time of the night when the men were in profnund sleep, i^exiept ilie guards,) 
with yelling, and the use of their tomahawk-, spears, scalping knives and guns, 
that our men were thrown into disorder. Wayne and l*osey had thrown Hieir 
cloaks ■iboiit them ami lay rlown close to each other, the alarm soon toused 
them, and tiii^y had proceeded but o few steps when captain Parker met colonel 
Po?ej', and iiilbrnnng him that the suddenness of the attack had confused his 
men, wislied to know if the colonel had any particular orders. Posey imme- 
diately Ofrierttd that the light infantry should be rallied behind the house, and 
his exertions, united with Parker's, in a short space of time collected the men. 
Posey then placed himself with Parker at their head, and ordered a charge 
thro./gh the eneniy to the regiment; the charge was made with celerity and 
fiinuiess, though th-' conflict was severe, many of the Indians falling by the force 
of the bayonet. One or niore of the enemy fell by Posey's own arm, and unfor- 
tunately for sergeant Thompson of Parker's light infantry, (who contrary to or- 
ders h^'.d taken off his coat and tied up his head with a handkerchief, but who 
was manfully engaged, and had in. mediately next to Posey fired at an Indian,) 
Pospy from his appearance wiih his coat off, and head tied up, tooK him for an 
Iiidiaii, and thru.^iing his sword through his body, laid hiui at his feet. But he 
greatly lamented the circumstHuce when he visited the hospital the next morning, 
and learned from the brave but incautious sergeant the particulars of his wounds. 
General Wayne with the cavalry followed Pot;ey, who had Sled off to the right 
to g'lin his regiment, which he 'net on its march to the scene of action, and 
placing himself at the head, charged in.mediately upon tlie rear of the enemy 
and put them to flight. General Wayne filed off to the left where he fell in with 
a con>ideraDle body of the Indians, and compelled them to letreat after a severe 
conflict. Thus with the united force and much bravery of both officers and sol- 
diers, the whole of tiie Indians were defeated and routed. Posey then sent to 
Wayne for orders, and informed him that hu should be found on his march to- 
wards Savannah, whiiher he was proceeding, with a view to ascertain the situa- 
tion of the British. When the regiment reached the forks of the road, (within 
one mile of the town,) a small party was detached to examine the British guards, 
and ascertain whether they retained their usual positions, who soon retuined 
and reported that they did. Shortly after this, a troofier brought infoimiiiioA 
that within half a mile in our rear he had discovered a large body of men, but 
that it was too dark to distinguish whether they w^re Indians or British. Posey 
immediaiely marched, ordering the trooper to shew him where ne had discover- 
ed the enemy. On approaclimg them it was light enough to see they were a 
body of Indians. They were standing in a road leading through a large swamp. 
While the regiment was preparing for actitm, several of thir chiefs advanced 
about twenty or thirty steps and halted, looking very eainestly and apparently 
at a loss to know ivnether we were the enemy or British troops, as we were 
marching directly out from towards Savannah. Posey discovering th.it \11 re- 
tired and hid in the swamp except those lew that had advanced, waved his sword 
foi them to come up, they accordingly came to him, he order ffl them under guard, 
and made search in tlie swamp for the others, but could riot find any of them. 
He then returned to the forks of the road, and shortly after general W.iyna 
joined with the balance of the troops The general appeared in a good humour 
until he discovered the Indian prisoners, his coljutenaiice then changed, and he 
asked Posey in a very peremptory manner, how he could think of taking those 
savages prisoneis. Posej related the cirtumstfince of the manner in which they 
were decoyed, and observed that he thought it wrong to put them to death after 
they became prisoners; he said they shoold not live, and they were accordingly 
.put to death. 

52 



410 Memoirs of the War in the 

adapted with promptitude his measures to the occasion, and, scat- 
tering his troops in every direction, pursued the flying Indians. 
Twelve of them were taken, and after a few hours captivity were 
put to death by order of the general. One liundred and seventeen 
pack horst^s, laden with peUry, fell into our hands ; and although 
every exertion was made to capture the surviving Indians, they all 
got back to their di^tant country. Our loss was small, not exceeding 
twelve killed and wounded. 

This bold and con luding scene, though highly honourable to the 
unlettered chief, did not surpass thoj»e which preceded it in the 
progress of his daring enterprise. The accuracy of the intelli- 
gence obtained respecting the interior of Georgia, the geographical 
exactitude with which he shaped his course, the control he estab- 
lished over his rude band — repressing appetite for plunder when 
opportunity for gratiticalion hourly occurred — and the decision with 
which he made his tinal arrangements, alike merit applause. Gu- 
ristersigo died as he had lived, the renowned warrior of the Over- 
hill Creeks.* 

Wayne behaved with his accustomed gallantry. Not doubting 
but that general Clarke with his whole force from Savatmah was 
U[)on him. he determined to cut his way to victory, or to die in the 
midst of his enemy. To this end was his order to captain Parker; 
to this end was his older to lieutenant colonel Posey ; and to this 
end was his own conduct and example. It is true the American 
general was suriJrisi^d ; but if a surprise can be overlooked, this is 
the one. Who could suppose that an Indian warrior would be found 
bold enough to relinquish iiis safe and distant torests to traverse 
lojigitudinally the state of Georgia, and to force his entry through 
an investing army into "^avannah. If the cemprehensive and search- 
ing mind had, in its prying into all possible adventures, presumed 
upon such an attempt, it would scarcely have been brought to con- 
clude, that the enterprise could remain undiscovered until the edge 
of the Indian tomahawk wa« felt in our camp. 

However military critics may be disposed to withhold censure in 
consequence of the novelty aiid singularity of the late enterprise, 
yet, like every other incident in war, it demonstrates that the gene- 
ral wlio is contented with the inadequate protection of his camp, 
not only places himself at the disposal of fortune, but invites disas- 
ter. This would probably have been the result now, had not the 
Indian chief been turned from his right course by taking our can- 

* As it will piobahly not be long before the libt^ral part of the civilize'l world 
will seek eagerly for information respecting this perishing race of men, so re- 
inavkable for a strcinge niixtnre of cunning and fortitude, of secrecy and vio-! 
lence, of patience a»id impetnosiiy, I have thought proper to subjoin the account 
which generjl I'arker, as an eye witness gave of the conduct and fate of this 
bold and sagacious warrior of the woods. " He was the largest and bravest of 
tlie wirriors — six feet, three inches high — weighing about two hundrec' and 
twenty pounds — of a manly and expressive countenance, anrl thirty years of 
age. Af'.er receiving an espontnon and three bayonets in his body, encouraging 
his warriors all ihe wliile, he retired a few paces, composedly laid himself down, 
*nd died without a groan or struggle." — Ed. 



Southern Department of the United States. 411 

Hon, fin(\ thus gave timo to recover by valour, what had been lost 
by want of due caution. 

As Puon as general Wayne had buried the dead, and taken care 
of the wounded, he changed his ground as usual ; and finding that 
he had an enemy in rear as well as in front, he became more circum- 
spect in his future arrangements. 

This was the last rencontre in Georgia. General Clarke held 
his troops safe within his fortifications, prepared to evacuate Savan- 
nah whenever he should receive orders to that effect, which he 
knew could not be long deferred. 

Wayne continued in the neighbourhood of the enemy pursuing 
his desultory game, and watching with unceasing vigilance his adver- 
sary's motion;;. Earl\' in July he was visited by a deputation of 
merchants from Savannah, under the protection of a flag of truce, 
for the purpO!^e of ascertaining on what conditions the British sub- 
jects would be permitted to remain with their property, for a given 
term after thf evacuation of the city, which event might be daily 
expected in consequence of orders recently received. 

General Wayne informed the deputation, that whenever the 
British garrison should withdraw, he would protect the persons 
and property ot all who might remain ; but that the ultimate dis- 
posal of the one and of the other belonged to the civil authority 
of the state, to which he would communicate the purport of their 
application. This answer being made known to the merchants and 
other inhabitants wishing to remain in Savannah, they, by permis- 
sion of the British general, sent a second deputation to the Ameri- 
can head quarters, with the view of fixing definitively the condi- 
tions on which they might be indulged in their desire. 

In the mean time general Wayne had consulted governor Martin, 
who, soon after the American detachment entered Geoigia, removed 
v.ith his council of state to Ebenezer, for the purpose of extending 
the limits of the civil authority. In pursuance of the governoi's 
instructions, the American general gave assurances to the inhab- 
itants, that all who chose to remain should be protected in person 
and property^ and should be allowed sufficient time to dispose of 
their property and to adjust their affairs, when they might depart 
in manner and form most agreeable to themselves Major Hjiber- 
sham, a respectable ofl'icer in the line of Georgia, was employed 
by general Wayne in the conclusion of this business, and seems to 
have afforded facility lo the arrangements, by the confuience reposed 
in riis personal character. 

Satisfied with the assurance given, many of the British subjccfs 
discontinued their preparations for removal, and were found in the 
town when entered by Wayne. They received the promised pro- 
tection, and pursued, without molestiilion. their customary occupa- 
tions. As soon as the loyalists had finished their ariangenienfs 
with the American general, brigadier Clari<e completed his evacu- 
ation, (on the 11th July) and general Wayne on the same day took 
po.-^session of Savannah, which had been for more than three year* 
occupied by the enemy. 



412 Memoirs of the War in the 

The spontaneous restoration of Georgia to the United State« 
confirmed the expectation which prevailed, that the further pn'.ise- 
cution of the war in America h?A been reHnquished by his Bnlannic 
mujesty, and would necessarily be soon followed by the recall of 
the royal army and fleet. ^ 

Previous to this event lieutenant colonel Carrington rejoined. 
While at the High Hill? of Santee, this officer, although at the head 
of the quartermaster general's department, was permitted by the 
general to repair to the main aimy, in coiisequence of a vacancy in 
the line of artillery by the resignation of colonel Proctor, of Penn- 
sylvania. Carrmgton was considered as entitled to the vacancy, and 
took command of the regiment on its arrival in V'^irgmia. with p:irt of 
the allied army. But masmach as congress had not establi-ihed 
the mode of promotion in the cavalry and artillery, his continuance 
in the command of the regiment was uncertain ; and therefore gen- 
eral Greene d'^ermined that, though absent, he should govern the 
department through his deputy, for the purpose of securing his fu- 
ture services, should his expectation of ()romotion fail. On captain 
Crump, of the Virginia line, second in the department, the impor- 
tant trust devolved during the absence of his pincipal, and he dis- 
charged its various dulies with intelligence and effect. When the 
siege of York terminated, Carrington, disappointed in his expected 
promotion, repaired to Philadelphia by order of general Greene, 
for the purpose of concerting measures with the sufieiintendant of 
finance, lor the future subsistence and clothing o^ the southern 
army. Mr. Morris entered with alacrity into the proposed appli- 
cation of a portion of the funds* under his direction to this desirable 
object. In pursuance whereof geueral Greene was empowered 
to contract for the requisite supplies, payable in specie ; by h Inch 
arrangement, the irksome nnd wasteful system heretofore [luisued 
was superseded, and the cheering prospect of regular subsistence 
and comfortable clothing was presented to the long suffering army 
of the South. 

The evicuation of Savannah was followed in the same month 
(August) by the meeting of the general assembly of Georgia at 
Augusta, when the exercise of the civil authority was completely 
re established throughout the state. Brigadier Wayne having, soon 
after the departure of the royal forces, detached lieutenant colonel 
Posey to the main army, now proceeded to South Carolina with his 
corps. General Greene concentrating his troops, drew nearer to 
Charleston, and directed his operations to the single object of pre- 
venting the enemy from deriving any subsistence from the country. 
The intention of evacuating Charleston was now announced 
"^"^ * in geuera! orders by the British commander ; who, how- 
ever, continued to exert his force in procuring the provisions ne- 
cessary not only for the daily support of the army and loyalists, 
h!;t also for their maintenance until the first should be established 
in their fiuure ipiarters, and the last transplanted to their intended 

* See Carrington's letter. 



Southern Department of the United States. 41 S 

settlements. Sm. II parties were therefore occasionally detached 
from Charleston in various di rations through those parts oi the 
counti}' remote from (he Am' rican nr . j, for the purpose ol col- 
lfc<-ting and transpoi ting rice corn, ;md meat, to the British htad 
qu inters. Sometimes these parties siiCceeded ; but generally thej 
were compelled to return without effecting the object of their in- 
cui>ion 

Mijor general Leslie soon perceived the precariousness of this 
resource ; to rerat-dy which, and to .^top the further cllusion of bloiid, 
now unnecessai y as to the main oi>je<;t of ihe war, uoiwilhslanding 
the (ejection of ins pacific overture some time beiure, addiessed gen- 
eral Greene by Ittler,* (August) expressiiig the motives and oiject 
ol his military inroads, an.) proposing to discontinue ihem, on condi- 
tion of being permitted to purcnase from the country such supplies 
as mighi be necessary during his continuance in Charleston. ihe 
civil tutliorily was necessarily consulted on Leslie's proposition by 
the American general. So manifold and interesting were the ad- 
vantages to our army from at^reeing to the enemy's proposal, that 
deliberation seemed to bord-r upon absurdity. 'Ihe American 
soidiers were covered by tattered garments, destitute ol shoes, and 
scarcely furnished with blankets. Winter was approaching, whea 
privations now tolerable would become intolerable ; and every 
effort had been vainly essayed to procure clothing on the credit of 
the ^pecie funds appropriated by the superintendant of hnance in 
the preceding spring, to the use ol the southern army, which, by 
the proposed intercourse, aught have been readily obtained from 
Charleston. Imperiously, as the general was urged by these con- 
siderations to avail himself of tlie opportunity wilnin his grasp, he 
was constrained to forego it. The government of South Carolina 
enteriained the belief, that the British army on the evacuation of 
Charleston, would be transferred to the West Indies. Connected 
with this opinion was the conviction that the pioposfd purchase of 
provisions was not so much intended to meet present wants, as to 
amass magazines for the support of the British lorces contendmg 
against our ally in that quartet. To accommodate the-enemy in the ac- 
complishment of this object was deemed dishonourable and perfidi- 
ous ; therefore it was determined to endure present ills rather than 
tarnish the national character : the proposition of general Leslie was 
accordingly rejected 

Sensibly as the American army felt this unexpected termination 
of the enemy's overture, not a murmur was heud in its lanlis. 
Trained to suffer when required so to do by authority, the odicers 
and soldiers exemplified upon this occasion their immutable dispo- 
sition to forget their own wants in their zeal to uphold the cause 
and character of their country. 

The punctilious observance of the obligation,- of treaties and 
scrupulous obedience to the injunctions of honour cannot h-^ too 
much applauded ; yet it will scarcely he contended that compliance 

• See letter. 



41 4 Memoirs of the War in the 

with the proposal of general Leslie either violated the treaty be- 
tween the United States and liis most cliristian m;ijest)', or trenched 
upon the principles of honour ; nor can it be denied that it sub- 
served the cause of humanity. The British general's letter candidly 
expressed his situation, amicably showed his iinvvillingness to shed 
more blood, now culpable because useless, but at the same time 
frankly announced that unless he could be supplied with provisions 
in the manner proposed, he must obtain them by force. 

How easy would it have been for the governor and geueral, with 
their just solicitude, to observe the stipulations of treaties, and to 
avoid even in appearance the violation of honour, to accept the 
enemy's proposition on the express condition that the subsistence 
to be procured should be limited to present support, and to that of 
the approaching voy;>ge, declaring that any attempt to transcend the 
.speciiied limits should cancel the contract. The limitations which 
a temperate examination of the enemy's overture would have sug- 
gested never came into view ; and in the overstrained anxiety to 
avoid possible injury to France, the absolute advantages, comfort 
to our suffering soldiers, and stoppage to human slaughter, were 
neglected. This mistaken decision was soon followed by its natu- 
ral, and with us deeply lamented, consequences. 

Foiled in accomplishing his object in the way desired, the British 
general prepared to resume his suspended incursions into the coun- 
try, determined to effect by force tlie procurement of Ihjse supplies 
which he had tiattered himself with obtaining by purchase. Sup- 
ported by marine co-operaiion applicable with readiness to all the 
circumjacent country by the facilities of its interior navigation, and 
possessing the contiguous islands, with strong detachments from his 
army, general Leslie proceeded to the execution of his determina- 
tion, fearless of consequences, but lamenting the necessity of wast- 
ing human life. 

A detachment of light infantry, attended by armed vessels, passed 
along the interior navigation, and having reached Combahee river, 
becan to collect and convey provisions to the transport* which ac- 
companied the expedition for the purpose of transporting to Charles- 
ton whatever might be procured General Greene, never doubting 
Leslie's execution of his menace, held his light corps ready to coun- 
teract any attempt he might make. As soon therefore as he became 
apprised of the movement of the British detachment, he directed 
brigadier Gist to advance in pursuit. Gist was soon in motion, and 
after a long and rapid march gained the neighbourhood of the enemy, 
then at Page's Point, on the Combahee. At (his moment lieutenant 
colonel Laurens, commanding the infantry under Gist, joined, hav- 
ing, as soon as informed of the march of the light troops, left his 
sick bed to hasten to the tield of battle. Laurens no sooner over- 
took the corps than, by permission of the brigadier, he put himself 
at the head of the American van. Discovering that the enemy 
were preparing to retire, he determined, with his interior force, 
though out of su|)poiting distance, to coaimence the attack. This 
bold decision was gallantly executed ; but incapable of making any 



^ Southern Department of the United Stated. 415 

serious impression from the inadequncy of his force, he fell in the 
vain attempt at the head of his intrepid band, closing bi.s short and 
splendid life in the lustre of heroism. Gist now got up with the 
main body, and took one of the vessels from the enemy returning 
to Charleston. 

The Briti,«b general linding himself foiled in his expectation*, 
henceforward disconlinueti these predatory inroads, and conlined 
his exertions in the colioction of [jrovisions to the islands along the 
coast, and to the country conti:iiious to the interior navigation, re- 
mote from the American camp. 

Preparations for the evacuation of Charleston proceeded, but not 
with the celerity expected. This excited apprehensions among the 
owners of the numerous bodies of negroes within the enemy's lines, 
that with the removal of the army would be carried off their slaves. 
They made known their apprehensions to governor Matthews, who 
addressed a letter to general Leshe on the subject, and reminded him 
of the act of confiscation passed by the legislature, from the opera- 
tion of which had been exempted all debts due to British merchants, 
and claims on real estates by marriage settlement. These two funds, 
added to that arising from the confiscation of estates, furnished a va- 
luable resource ; and the governor assured general Leslie that he 
would apply them in remunerating his fellow citizens for their ne- 
groes, if removed with the retiring arm}'. 

This annunciation seriously affected the loyalists in Charleston 
and especially the mercantile portion of them, ever alive to the 
feelings of interest. They soon beset the British general, who was 
always inclined to do right, and to diminif^h the evils of war. Leslie, 
in reply to the governor, proposed negotiation, with the view of re- 
conciling the opjiosite interests of the adverse parties. Commission- 
ers were accordingly appointed with full powers to treat upon the 
subject. The honourable William Gerrard, on the part of the 
state, and Alexander Wright and James Robertson, on the part of 
the loyalists. The discussion which ensued terminated in a com- 
pact on the 10th of October, to the folloiving eflect : 

•' That all the slaves of the citizens of South Carolina now in the 
power of the honourable major general Leslie shall be restored to 
their former owners as far as is practicabl.; ; except such slaves as 
may have rendered themselves particularly obnoxious on account of 
their attachment and services to the British troops, and such as had 
specific promises of freedom. That the fiith of the state is hereby 
solemnly pledged that none of the debts due to British merchants, or 
to persons who have been banished, or whose estates have been 
contiscaled, or property secured by family soltJenuMits fldrly made, 
or contracts relative thereto, shall now, or at any time hereafter, be 
arrested or withheld by the executive authority of (ha slate ; that 
no act of the legislature shall hereafter pass for conti-scuting, or seiz- 
ing the same, in any manner whatever, if it is iu the power of the 
executive to prevent it ; and that its whole power and influence 
within its public and private capjcity ?hall at all times be exerted 
for that purpose. 



416 Memoirs of the War in the 



^ 



'•That the same power shall be allowed for the recovery of the 
debts and proprrly hereby protected and secured i»y the p.irties or 
their reprf^sedtatives in the courts of justice or otherwise. h« the 
citizens of the slate miy be or at any time were entitled to, not- 
with^tinding anv act of contiscation or banishment, or any other dis- 
ability whatsoever ; and t'lat the same may lie remitted to any part 
of the world they miiy thinii proper, under the same and no other 
regulations than the citizens of the st^ite may be subject to. 

" That no slaves, restored to their former owners bv virtue of this 
agreement, shall be punished by the authority of the st te for hav- 
ing left their masters and attached tnemselves to the British troops ; 
and it will be particulHrly recommended to their respective owners 
to forgive them for the same. 

" That no violence or insult shall be offered to the persons or 
houses of the fimilies of such persons as ;ire obliged to leave the 
state for their adherence to the British government, when the Ame- 
rican army shall take possession of the town, or at any time after- 
wards, as far as it is in the power of those in nuthority to prevent it. 

" That Edward Filake and Roger Pnrker Saunders, esq'rs., shall 
be permitted to reside in Cliarleston on their parole of honour to as- 
sist in the execution of the tirst article of this compact." — Rainnay. 

In pursuance of this contract all minor measures were punctili- 
ou-ly adopted lor its consummation. The two American commis- 
sioners were duly a.credited and received in Charleston 

But the very first embarkation of the retiring enemy evinced that 
matured consideration of the preceding compact produced its viola- 
tion by the party which had proposed it. Leslie began to remove 
the loyalists ; for a portion of whom St. Augustine had been select- 
ed as a retreat. A fleet for their transportation was accordingly pre- 
pared ; and when they embarked, two hundred negroes accompanied 
them. The American commissioners remonstrated against this in- 
fraction of the compromise entered into, to superintend the honour- 
able fuUilinent of which they not only had lieen appointed by the 
governor of the state, but had been admitted into Charleston by the 
general. The remonstrance produced the debarkation of a small 
part of the negroes on board ; but when the commissioners asked 
for permission to restore this small part to their owners, by forward- 
ing them to the assi<::ned post f.ir their reception without the Bri- 
tish lines, the request was denied, and justitied by the following 
letter : 

To Eckcard Blake and Roger P. Sautiders, esquires. 

Headquarters, October 18, 1782. 
Gentlemen : 
" Gener;d Leslie was much surprised on fiu'ling that a large patrole 
irom general Greene's army, two days ago, came down so near our 
advanced {)ost on Charleston Neck as to carry off three soldiers, who 
were a little way in the front. At the time this little act of hostility 
was comaiitted, Mr Fergu'^on an<! another pprsou weve at Accahee ; 
where, I believe, they still remain, in expectation of the negroes to- 






Southern Department of the United States. 417 

be delivered np, without any sanction but lh:it of the agreement en- 
tered info. I am directed to observe, that if a line of conduct on 
the part of general Greene, so different from ours, is adopted ; it 
must of course put an end to the pacific intentions general Leslie 
means to follow in regard to this province, during the short time he 
is to remain in it. 

'* He wishes you will inform governor Matthews that be expects 
the soldiers taken away will be reliirned, and that the governor will 
take j)roper measures to have this requisition complied with. Un- 
til this is done, general Leslie must be under the necessity of put- 
ting a stop to the furtiier completion of the agreement." 

" (Signed) S. WEYMS, deputy adjutant general." 

The inability of the British general to secure the faithful execu- 
tion of the compact mijjht have been perceived by liim before its 
latification ; inasmuch as the eftectuation of its material conditions 
depended on the will of the stale legislature, more apt to oppose 
than to fulfil executive recommendations, if, however, this in- 
ability was not discovered until after ratification, better would it 
have been to declare the fact, than to resort to a (iimsy and irrele- 
vant pretext for abrogation of a contract. 

However, the British general seems to have preferred resorting 
for his justification to an expedient not less deffctive in reason thaa 
incompatil)le with his iair and honourable character. 

No suspensions of military operations had ever been suggested, 
much less stipulated. How then the capture of British soldiers, by 
an American patroie, could be construed into a violation of the 
contiact entered into with the governor of the stale, is not discern- 
able. 

But pretexts, the most trivial, will be embraced by power when 
disposed to Ibiget right, in furtherance of its will. Such appears 
to have been the present temper of the British general ; and the 
contract lately sought by himself, and well calculated to stop the 
spread of injustice, was annulled. 

The American commissioners forwarded the letter received from 
the British adjutant general to governor Matthews, who replied as 
follows : 

"October \9ih, 1782, 

" Sir, 

" 1 was a few minutes ago favoured with a letter from Messrs. 
Blake and Saunders, inclosing one to them from mnjor Weyms, 
written by jour aiitliorily. As I do not like a second hand corres- 
pondence, i therefore addre-^s myself immediately to you I ad- 
dressed a letter to you this morning, by which you will find that 1 
was not even then without some apprehension of the intended eva- 
sion of the compact entered into on the lOth it.stant ; but on the re- 
ceipt ofmiijor Weyms's letter, no room was left me for doubt ; which 
obligees me, without giving further trouble to those engaged in the 
busiTiess, and introducing further altercation between us, to declare 
that I look upon that agreement as dissolved,, and have accordingly 
53 



41 8 Memoirs of the War in the ^ 

fSBR 
ordered my conimissioners immediately to quit your lines. But be- 
fore 1 take my final leave of you, permit me to make one or two 
observations on major Weyms's letter, a? probably the whole cor- 
respondence between us may one day be brought to public view. 

'■ On the 12th instant i wrote to you, to know whether persons go- 
ing to Accabee to bring off the negroes when brought there, should 
be protected from your armed parties ; and, further, to permit me 
to send a parly of militia to guard the negroes remaining unclainted 
to>orne part of the country where they could be supplied with pro- 
visions To this letter 1 have received no answer, which has ob- 
liged me to use the precaution of giving fl.igs to all persons who 
have applied to go to Accabee ; a-- I could on no principle look on 
that giound a:» neutral until it had been mutually agreed on as such. 
Indeed I was led to believe the contrary was intended on your part, 
both by your tedious silence and detachments from your army mak- 
ing excursions as far as Ashley ferry ; which was absolutely the 
case the morning of the day that the party from general Greene's 
army took the soldiers you so peremptorily den)and of me ; and if [ 
am rightly informed, hostilities were commencpd by your party. 
Be that as it may, 1 conceive it of little consequence, as either parly 
had a right to commence hcstilities on hostile ground ; and between 
enemies every spot must be considered as such, until mutually 
agreed upon to be otherwise. Besides, it is a well known fact, that 
there is not a day but some of your armed parties are on that very 
ground which you affect to hold neutral. 

" W^ilh regard to iMessrs. Ferguson and Waring remaining at Ac- 
cabop t>nmoies;ed, I hold myself under no manner of obligation to 
yoii for this forbeaiance ; as 1 informed you they were there under 
the sanction of a flag; that they were to remain there for the pur- 
pose of receiving the negroes sent out by the agents in Charleston. 
They ivere therefore authorized to continue there, till you signified 
the contrary to them. Flags from you have remained within half 
a mile of our lines for several days on private business, without the 
least molestation whatf ver. Besides, Sir, if your reasoning, as far 
as it applies to those gentlemen, prove any thing, it proves too 
much ; because on the same principle, the other two commissioners 
being in Charleston, ought to make that neutral ground also, not- 
withstanding no stipulation for that purpose had been entered into. 
I never interfere with general Greene's military plans, therefore 
the paragraph which relates to his operations ought to have been 
addressed to him ; but 1 believe he pays as little regard to threats 
as 1 do." 

With this letter ceased every effort to givu effect to the contract 
between the governor and general Leslie. The American commis- 
sioners returned home, and the negroes seduced and taken from the 
inhabitants of South Carolina in the course of the war, remained 
subject to the disposal of the enemy. They were successively 
shipped to the West Indies ; and it is asserted, upon the authority 
of the best informed citizens of South Carolina, that more than 
twenty thousand slaves were lost to the state in consequence of (he 



■iSouthern Department of the United States. 419 

war ; of which not an inconsiderable portion was appropriated by 
British officers, and sold for thpir benefit in the West Indies. 

Preparations for the embarkation of the enemy continued, bnt so 
tardily, that general Greene himself, who never yielded entirely to 
the opinion that peace was near at hand, began to douht the since- 
rity of those pacific professions which accompanied general Leslie's 
annunciation of his intended evacuation of Charleston. His pre- 
sumption of the enemy's perseverance in the war, and intimate 
knowledge of the distressed condition of his army for clothing of 
every sort, could not fail more and more to excite the sensibility of 
a commander justly regarded as the father of his soldiers. 

From the return of lieuienant colonel Carrington, after his visit 
to the superintendant of finance, general Greene had endeavoured 
without intermission to negotiate a contract for the supply of the army 
with provisions, and to secure winter clothing for the troops, the want 
of which became every day more pressing. Vain were all his ef- 
forts to accomplish the first, although supported by the executive 
authority of the state, and seconded by the active exertions of the 
quartermaster general ; who was authorized by the general to 
pledije the specie funds appropriated by the superintendant of fi- 
nance to the southern service, to those who might contract for the 
supply either of provisions or clothing. 

The devastation of the country, the neglect of the culture of the 
soil, and the bankrupt condition of the numerous class of individuals 
heretofore opulent and influential, prevented the acceptance of his 
overtures by any, although repeatedly proffered and zealously 
pressed. But however disinclined to relax his endeavours to sub- 
stitute the regular and cheap system of feeding his troops by special 
contract, instead of the wasteful mode of requisition by the stale 
agent, who was occasionally compelled to resort to military aid, 
Greene was reluctantly compelled to yield to the general inability, 
and to rely on the precarious and ruinous old mode, adopted through 
necessity and continued from the same cause. The evacuation of 
Charleston would of course change the state of the country, and 
give vigour to enterprising individuals. Then, and not till then, 
could he indulge the hope of effecting the discreete change in sub- 
sisting his army ; and he was obliged to rely upon the same event 
for procuring the requisite clothing, rendered more and more ne- 
cessary by the approach of winter. 

Exclusively therefore of the importance of the expected event, 
in a military and national view, it became the peculiar object of anxi- 
ous solicitude with the American general, as it presented thn only re- 
source to relieve hi* army from difficulties, which must unless sur- 
mounted, lead to its dissolution. 

General Leslie had declared, in his orders of the 7lh ©f August, his 
intention of withdrawing his army ; but September had passed away, 
and Charleston still remained in possession of the enemy. 

In the course of the preceding month, governor Matthews had con- 
trived, through his influence with some of the royalists in Charles- 
ton, who bad resolved to throw themselves on the mercy of their 



420 Memoirs of the War in the 

country, to procure a small quantity of the most necessary articles 
ot' clothing;. Th\s fbrtunate acquisition, added to a supply forvvardecl 
from Philadelphia by means of the superintendant of finance, ena- 
bled the c;eneral to cover the most naked of his army ; and the un- 
cea-*ing exertions of the state commissary, aided by the co-operation 
of the quartermaster gener.il, produced an agreeable change in the 
quantity and quality of provisions. Still the situation of ihc army 
was deplor.;hli% and much remained to lie done to give durable com- 
fort to the troops, whose past distress is thus described by general 
Greene in an official letter written on the 13lh of August. " For up- 
wards of two months, more than one third of our army was naked, 
with nothing but a breech cloth about them, and never came out of 
(heir tents ; and the rest were as rag,;ed as wolves. Our condition 
wa= little better in the articles of provision. Our beef was perfect 
carrion ; and even bad as it was, we were frequently without any. 
An army thus clothed and thus fed may be considered in a despe- 
rate situation " 

The delay and uncertainty in evacuating Charleston, however 
productive of gloomy forebodings in the American camp, did not 
stop the enterprise of adventurous individuals, who, believing the 
event at hand, seized, as they presumed, the sure opportunity of 
advancing their fortunes. Many of these procured admittance into 
Charleston, ami entered into contracts with the British merchants, 
whom they found as desirous of selling their stock on hand, as they 
were eager to buy it. 

Among the adventurers who, about the end of August or begin- 
ning of September, made their way into Charleston, was Mr. John 
Banks from Virginia. This gentleman, (no doubt with permission) 
after a short stay in town, visited the American army. Here he 
was introduced to general Greene. Well knowing the naked con- 
dition of his contrymen in arms, and convinced of the general's soli- 
citude to relieve their sufferings, he offered to procure and deli- 
ver whatever mi^ht be wanted. Greene having been, as before 
mentioned, authorized by (he superintendant of finance to enter into 
contracts for supplying his army, did not hesitate in acceptmg Banks's 
proposal, and n contract was arranged with him for the requisite 
clothing to be delivered on the evacuation of Ciiarleston. This 
was the first opportunity which had presented of effecting the long 
wished and much desired object. It was embraced with avidity, 
and Sir. Banks completely executed his contract at the designated 
period, to the great joy of the general and army. 

The prepara'ions for evacuating Charleston began now to assume 
a determiuKte iihar>icter ; and the doubts heretofore enttrtained on 
that subject to be dissipated. The American general held still his 
pu-iition a; Ashley liiii, shutting up ever}' avenue to intercourse be- 
tween town and country. The enemy no lunger attempted to in- 
terrupt this operation, but fixed in his design of withdrawing from 
South Cavcliaa, he avoided unavailing conflict. Thus passed the 
aiitumn, and general Leslie, ahhough never mtermitting his prepa- 
rations to retire, still continued with his army in Charleston. At 



Southern Department of the United States. 421 

length, early in December, the enabarkation of the military stores, 
ordnance and baggage, commenced. When this was completed, the 
troops followed, and on the 14th the embarkation was finished. 
General Wayne, with the legion and light infantry, had, for some 
days previous, by order of Greene, placed himself near the quarter 
house for the purpose of entering the town as soon as it should be 
evacuated. To this officer, Leslie informally intimated his wish to 
prevent injury to the town, in which he presumed on the cordial 
coincidence of the American general, and which he insinuated was 
only to be effected by prohibiting every attempt to interrupt the em- 
barkation of the retiring army. 

Wayne communicated to the general the intimation he had receiv- 
ed from Leslie, who directed him to conform to it. 

Accordingly no effort was made to disturb the enemy's embarka- 
tion, which took place without the smallest confusion or disorder, 
the light troops under Wayne entered into town close after the re- 
tirement of the British rear. 

Thus was the metropolis of South Carolina restored to the United 
States, after having been in possession of the enemy from its sux'- 
render to sir Henry Clinton. (i2th May, 17&0.) 

The governor with his suite was escorted into the capital on the 
fame day. On the next the civil authority resumed its former 
functions, and the din of arms yielded to the^ innocent and pleasing 
occupations of peace. 



APPENDJX. 



A.— Page 11. 



X-ilFUTENANT General Bcrgovhe had been a soldier from early life, 
and very niurli dislin^iiislied himself in the campaign of 1762, under tlie count 
de la Lippe Schombiirg, in Portugal, where he established his reputation in 
arms, signalizing himself particularly by his surprise of the Spaniards at Va- 
lentia de Akantera, and afterwards with colonel Lee at Villavelha. He was 
an accomplished gentleman, with the advantage of respectable family connex- 
ions, and a highly finished education. 



B.— Page 11. 

Major General Gates, like his antagonist, had been bred to arms, and 
served in America during the war of 1T55. His course seems to have been 
mediocre. After the peace of 1763 he settled in Virginia, where ihe revolu- 
tionary war found him. Unprovided as were the strites with soldiers of expe- 
rience, general Gates was called forth by the congress of 1775, and was ap- 
pointed adjutant general, with the rank of brigadier to the army assembled be- 
fore Boston in our first campaign. 



C— Page 36. 

Major General Charles Lee was born in England, and entered very 
young into the army — the profession most congenial to his min.l. He served 
in America, in Portugal, and in Turkey, always respected, sometimes distin- 
guished. 

Like his unfortunate friend, lieutenant general Burgoyne, he possessed the 
confidence and esteem of count de la Lippe, under whose orders, with lieutc- 
iinnt colonel Burgoyne, he was detached to strike at a detached camp of the 
enemy in the village of Villavelba, during the campaign of 1762, in Ponuiral ■ 
which service vas handsomely peiformed.. 

In the dispute between the colonies and the mother country, Lee espoused 
with warmth the cause of the colonics, whose rights he believed to be despoti- 
cally invaried ; and sometime after came over to America. When rniivinced 
that the sword must be drawn, he resigned bis commission in the Briiish army, 
and accepted the third station in the American staff, proffered to him by con- 
gress. He possessed a sublime genius, highly improved by books and travel; 
but was eccentric from freedom of thought, which he uttered without reserve • 
sarcastic without n.alignity of heart, but with asperity of tongue ; and im- 
prudent, from an indisposition to guard himself by cramping, mental indoen- 
dence. 



424 



APPENDIX. 



D.— Pase 84. 



Major General Baron de Kalb was a German by biitli;* and, from 
tlic best information obtainable, must have served during tlie war of 1755 in 
some of the inferior stations of the quarter master geneial's department, in the 
imperial army operating with that of his most ciiristian majesty; it being well 
ascertained by his acquaintances in our army that he wa.* intimately versed in 
ihe details of that departments^ Towards the close of that war he must have 
been despatched by the French court to North America, as he has himself often 
mentioned his having traversed the then British provinces in a concealed char- 
acter; the object of which tour cannot be doubted, as the baron never failed, 
when speaking of the existing war, to express his astonishment, how any go- 
verinnent could have so blundered as to efface the ardent and deep affection 
which to his own knowledge, existed on the jjart of the colonies to Grea' Bri- 
tain previous to the late rupture. — A prefeience, equalled only by their antipa- 
thy to the French nation, which was so powerful as to induce the baron to con- 
sider it, as he called it, " instinctive." 

Just before the peace our incognitus, becoming siisppcfed, was arrested ; and 
for a few days he was imprisoned. On ^examination of his baggage and papers, 
nothing could be found confirming the suspicion which had induced his arrest, 
and he was discharged. 

Such discovery was not practicable; as during this tour, the baron himself 
declared .that he relied entirely upon his memory, which was singularly strong; 
never venturing to commit to p;iper the information of others or his own obser- 
vations. On the restoration of peace the baron returned to Eurnjjc, and came 
once more to America in 1777 or 1778, recommended to congress as an experi- 
enced soldier, worthy of eonfidciire. A brigadier in the service of France, he 
was honoured by conj^ress witli the rank of major general, and repaired to the 
main army in which he servi d at the head of the Maryland division very much 
respected. 

Possessing a stout frame, with excellent health, no officer was more able to 
encounter the toilsof war. Moderate in mental powers, as in literary acquire- 
ments he excelled i.hicfly in practical knowledge of men and ihinirs, gained 
durin" a long life l~y close and accurate investigation of the cause and effect of 
passing events. 

We all know that the court of France has been uniformly distinguished by 
its superior address and management in diving into the secrets of every nation, 
whether friend or foe, with whom it has relation 

The business of espionr.ge Ins been brougiu in France to a science, and a 
regular trained corp , judiciously organized, is ever in the service of the court. 
Of this body there is strong reason to believe that the baron was a member, and 
probably one of the chief confidants of thai governnicit in tlie United Stales. 
No man was better qualified for the undertaking. He was sol)er, drinking wa- 
ter only : abstemious lo excess; living on bread, sometimes with beef soup, at ^ 
other limes with cold beef; industrious, it being his constant habit to rise at 
five in the morn'ng, light his candle, devote himself to willing, which was never 
intermitted during tlie day but when interrupted by his short meals, or by atten- 
tion to his ofticialduty ; and profoundly secret. He wrote in hieroglyphics, not 
upon sheets of paper as is customary in camps, but in large folio books; which 
were carefully preserved, waiting to be transmitled to his unknown correspon- 
deiu vvhenevfjr a safe opportunity might offer. He betrayed an unceasing jeal- 
ousy lest liis journals and his mystic dictionary might he perused ; and seemed 
to be very much in flread of losing his baggage ; winch, in itself, was too trifling 
to be re"arded and would only have attracted such unvarying care from the 

* Colonel Howard think!; he was from Alsace or Lorrain — German provin- 
ce' ceded to France; and that he served in the French army in conjunction 
with that of tlie imperialists in 1753. It is very probable— the French had in 
this country the regiment of Deux r'auts, a Gerinao corps— but raised from a 
fliitrict then belonging to Fiance. 



APPENDIX. 4^ 

valuable papor deposit. He never failed to direct his quartermaster to place 
hini as near the centre of the army as was allowiible, having nn iittrr aversion 
to be ill the vicinity of either flank, lest an adventuiing partisan should carry off 
his baggage. ^Vhat became of his journals is not known; but very probably 
he did not venture to take them into South Carolina : what is most probable, 
he placed such as remained in il)e hands of the French n)inister for trausmissiun 
to Paris, when he was ordered to the South. , :, 

If he continued to write when niarcliing to South Carolina, his progress must 
have been slow, as he was necessarily niuch^ngaged in the duties of his com- 
mand, which became tnninplied by the extrenie ditficnlty with which subsistence 
was procurable. Whether his b:iggage was captured is not known to me ; but 
it cannot be doubted, that hit papers did not fall into the possession of the ene- 
my ; as in such event we should probably have heard not i-nly of the fact, but 
abo of tlieii contents. No man surpassed this genileman in simplicitj' and con- 
descension ; which gave to his deportment a cast of amiability extremely ingra- 
tiating, exciting confidence and esteem. Although nearer seventy tlian sixty 
years of age, such had been the temperance of his life, that he not only enjoyed 
to the last day the finest health, but his countenance still retained the bloom of 
youth ; which circumstance ve''y probably led to the error committed by those 
who drew up the insciiption on the monument, erected by order of congress. 
This distinguished mark of respect was well deserved, and is herewith present- 
ed to the reader. 

Resolved, that a monument be erected to the memory of the deceased major 
general baron rie Kalb, in the town of Annapolis, in the state of Maryland, 
with the following inscription : 

'' Sacred to the (nemory of the baron de Kalb, knight of the royal order of 
military merit, brigadier of the armies of France, and major general in the 
service of the United States of America. Having served with honour and re- 
putation for three years, he gave a last and glorious proor of his attachment to 
the liberties of mankind, and to the cause of America, in the action near Cam- 
den, in the state of South Carolina ; where, leading on the regular troops of 
Maryland and Delaware against sujierior forces, and animating them by his 
example to dee«!s of valor, he was wounded in several places, and died the 19tli 
of August following, in the forty-eighth year of his age. The congress of the 
United States of America, in acknowlediiemeni of his zeal, ot his services, and 
of his merit, bath erected this monument." 



E.— Page 83. 

VViLMAM Richardson Davie, of North Carolina, was born in the villagfe 
of Egremont, near White Haven, in England, on the 20th of June, 1756. 

His father, visiting South (.Carolina soon after the peace of 1763, brought 
with him this son; and, returning to England, confided him to the care of the 
reverend \\ illiam Richardson, his maternal uncle; who, becoming much attach- 
ed to his nephew, not only took charge of his education, but adopted him as 
his son and heir. At the proper age William was sent to an academy in North 
Carolina ; whence he was, after a few years, removed to the college of Nassau- 
hall in Princeton, New .lersey. then becoming th-- resort of most of the soulheru 
youth under the auspices of the learned and respectable doctor Witherspoon. 
Heie he finished his education, graduating in the autumn of 1776, a year me- 
morable in our military as well as civil annals. 

Returning home, young Davie found himself shut out for a time from the 
army, as the commissions for the troops just levied had been issued. He went 
to Salisbury, where he commenced the study of the law. The war continuing, 
conlraiy to the expectation which generally prevailed when it began, Davie 
could no longer resist h"s ard»nt wish to place himsell among the defenders of 
his country. Inducing a worthy and popular friend, rather too old for military 
service, to raise a troop of dragoons, as the readiest mode of accomplishiftg his 
54 



4^6 



Ai'ffciNDl*. 



wish, Davie obtained a lieutenancy in this troop. Without delay the capfafu 
joined Ihe scutliern army, and soon afterwards returned home on tuilough. 'I'hs 
command of the troop devolving on lieutenant Davie, it was ai his request an- 
nexed to the legion of count I'ulaski, where captain Davie continued, until pro- 
moted by major general Lincoln to tiie station of brigade major of cavalry. In 
this office Davie served unri tlie affair of Stono, devoting his leisure to the ac- 
quirement of professional knowledj,e, and rising fast in the esteem of the general 
and army. When Lincoln attempted to dislodge lieutenant colonel Maitland 
from his intrenched camp on the SSono, Davie received a severe wound, and was 
removed from camp to the hospital in Charleston, where he was confined for 
five months. 

Soon after his recovery he was empowered by the government of North Caro- 
lina to raise a small legionary corps, consisting of one troop of dragoons and 
two companies of mounted infantry; at the head of which he was placed with 
the rank of major. 

Quickly succeeding in completing his corps, in whose equipment he expended 
the last remaining; shilling of an estate bequeathed to him by his uncle, he took 
the field, and was sedulously engaged in protecting the country between Char- 
lotte and Camden, from the enemy's predatory incursions. On the fatal 16th of 
August, he was hastening with his corps to join the army, when he met our dis- 
persed and flying troops. He nevertheless continued to advance towards the 
conqueror; and by his prudence, zeal, and vigilance, saved a few of t,ur wa- 
gons and many of our stragglers. Acquainted with the movement of Sumter, 
and justly apprehending that ho would be destroyed unless speedily advised of 
the defeat of Gates, he despatched inttantly a courier to that officer, communi- 
cating what had happened, performing, in the midst of distress and confusion, 
the part of an experienced captain. The abandonment of all the southern 
region of North Carolina, which followed this signal ovei throw, and the general 
despondency which prevailed, have been recorded in the body of this work ; 
Hor have the fortunate and active services of major Davie been overlooked. tJo 
much was his conduct respected by tl-.e government of North Carolina, that he 
was, in the course of September, promoted to the rank of colonel commandant 
of the cavalry of the state. 

In this station he was found by general Greene on assuming the command of 
the Southern army; whose attention had been occupied from his entrance into 
North Carolina, in remedying the disorder in (he quarter master and c'onnnis- 
sary departments. To the first Carrington had been called ; and Davie was 
now induced to take upon himself the last, much as he preferred the station he 
then possessed. At the head of this department colonel Davie remained througli- 
()ut the trying campaign which followed; contributing greatly by his talents, 
his zeal, his local knowledge, and his influence, to the maintenance of the diffi- 
cult and successful 0|)erations which followed. While before Ninety-Six, 
Greene foreseeing the difficulties again to be encountered, in consequence of the 
accession of force to the enemy by the arrival of three regiments of infantry 
from Ireland, determined to send a confidential officer to the legislature of North 
Carolina, then in session, to represent to them his relative condit-on, and to 
urge their adoption of etfectnal measures for the collection of magazines of pro- 
visions, and the reinforcement of his army. Colonel Davie was selected by 
Greene for this important mission, and in)mcdialely repaired to the seat of 
government, where he exerted himself to give effect to the views of his general. 
The events of the autumn assuring the quick approach of peace, colonel 
Pavie returned home; and having shortly afterwards married miss Sarah Jones, 
daughter of general Allen Jones of NoHh Carolina, he selected the town of Hali- 
fax, on the Roanoke, for his residence ; where he resumed the profession with tbft 
practice of law. 



APPENDIX. 42,7 

F.— Page 38. 

SiMEOar Thater wns born in the town of Mendan, in the county of Wor- 
ohesier, in the State of Massachusetts, on the 2lst of April, 1738; and earJy in 
life reujoved froni thence to the town of Piovirlence, in Ilhorie Island, where a 
few years afterwards lie married, and pennaneiiliv establislied himself. 

No man more unifinmiy possessed the esteem of iiis neighbours and acquain- 
tances than this gentlemun did, being distinguished for unvarying goodness of 
heart, rendered peculiarly agreeable by (he modesty of his demeanor, and the 
simplicity of his mduuers. Bottomed un this solid foundation, his popularity 
extended as lie advanced in life. And when in his thirty-seventh year, resis- 
lance to Great Britain became necessary, the determination of Thayer to take 
the field was anticipated by the fpontaneous offer of the command of a com- 
pany in colonel Hilclicork's regiment of Rhode Island, about to be detached to 
the American army before Boston. Thayer's merit soon attracted attention : 
and when Washington projected the arduous enterprise against Quebec, com- 
mitted to the direction of colonel Arnold for the purpose of co operating with 
Montgomery, the choice spirits of his army were selected for the expedition. 
Thayer could not of course be overlooked : he marched under Arnuld at the 
head of a company, exhibiting, tliroughout the operation, peculiar fitness in 
mind and body to meet danger and difficulty. Tlie fall of Montgomery b»ing 
soon followed by our repulse, Thayer was made prisoner, bravely struggling; to 
carry the second barrier, and experienced in con).non with his comrades the 
beneficence extended by sir G. Carleton to the American prisoners, — so truly 
honourable to the heart and to the head of the British general. Captain Thayer 
rejoined his regiment as soon as lie was exchanged, and went through the war, 
adding to his early stock of military reputation whenever opportunity offered. 
He served generally under Washington, by whom he was highly respected. 

His conduct in the defence of Mud Island has been briefly touched in the 
course of this work. It is but justice to add, that the assumptiiMi of the com- 
mand in the desperate condition to which the island was reduced, was in conse- 
quence of the voluntary request of major Thayer, displaying as much niagnanU 
inity as gallantry. 

It was known that the island must soon fall : to defend it to the last ntoment, 
and then to save the garrisop, was the best which could be done. Few pre- 
sumed this practicable; and fewer were disposed to undertake the hazardous 
task. Thayer offered himself to brigadier Varnum, commanding our force in New 
Jersey, which was joyful!}' accepted ; and the gallant major as joyfully repaired 
tOjhis post. 

In the hatile of Monmouth the corps to which Thayer was attacl\ed wgs 
closely engaged ; he was wounded by a caiiuon ball, which deprived hitn pf the 
sight of the eye on the side it passed. 

Concluding his military lile with the war, he returned to Providence ; car- 
rying with him the esteem of his fellow soldiers, the gratitude of his country, 
the admiration of the witnesses of his exploits, and tlie immutable approbation 
of the commander in chief. Here he continued to deck the laurels lie had ac- 
quired in the field of battle by his benevolence, his sincerity, his constancy in 
virtue, and his modesty in deportment. 

The legislature of Rhode Island honoured him with the commission of major 
general in her militia, which he held to his death. In 1796 general Thayer le- • 
moved from Providence to his farm in the township of Cumberland, where he 
spent his last years in the exclusive occupations of agiiculture. Enjoying good 
health, witli universal esteem, he closed his honourable life, after a short ill- 
ness, at home, on the 21st day of October, 1800, in the sixty-third year of hit 
age, leaving one son and one daughter. His remains were brought to Provi- 
dence and interred in the north Presbyteiian burying ground. His grave is dis- 
tinguished by a plain white marbk slab; emblematic of his deportment, through 
life, and Epotless as his virtue. 



428 



APPENDIX. 



G.— Page 13. 



Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, of the Virginia line on coutj- 
tjental estnblisiinient, rteservedly ranited amoiigf the best and most efficient sol- 
diers of the Uiiiierl States, was born in New Jersey ; from whence he emigrated 
to Virginia in 1755. Like many of the greatest men of every country, his na- 
tive condition was ind.gent, so mncii so as to render it necessary for young Mor- 
gan to enter into service as a labourer for daily wag.es. 

Soon after his arrival in Virginia, be obtained employment from farmer Ro- 
berts, near Charleston, in the county of Jefferson, (tiien ijerkely.) Afterwards 
he was enga{;,ed to drivo- a wagon for John Ashley, overseer for Nathaniel Bur- 
lell, Esq., at his estate on the ^iienandoah river, in Frederic county, near Bei'- 
vy's ferry. When he left Ashley, Morgau had by his care and iuciustry, amassed 
enough cash to purchase a wagon and team ; which purchase lie made, and 
soon afterwards entered witli it into the employment of Mr. John Ballantine, 
at his establishment on Occoquan creek. At the expiration of his year, Brad- 
dock's expedition was spoken of us nn event certainly to take place in the course 
of the ensiling summer. Morgan reserved himself, wagon, itc. for this expedi- 
tion, and joined the army, but in what character is not known. 

He received, during his military service, a severe wound in the face ; the scar 
of which was through life very visible. We do not understand in what affair 
this happened ; but it was from a rifle or niusket, aimed, as he said himself, by 
an Indian. The bullet entered the back ol his neck, and passed through his left 
eheek, knocking out all his jaw teeth on that side. 

In the course of the ennpttign he was unjustly punished, by being brought to 
the halbert under a chr>r_'^e of contumely to a British officer, where he received 
five hundred lashes. The officer being afterwards convinced of his cruel error, 
mai^e ever)' amend in his power to the maltreated Morgan ; who, satisfied with 
the contrition evinced by the officer, magnanimously forgave him. Nor did the 
recollection of this personal outrage operate in the least to the prejudice of the 
British officers in the late war, iVlanyof them as is well known, fell into the 
hands of Morgan, and invaiiably received from him compassionate and kind 
treatment. 

Tlie general would often, among his intimate friends, recur to this circum- 
stance; t.ie narrative whereof he generally concluded, by saying, in a jocular 
way, that " King Geoige was mdir-bted to him one larli yet; for the drummer 
miscounted one, and he knew well when he did it; so that he only received louc 
hundred and ninety-nine, when he promised him five hundred." 

In this period of life, from twenty lo thirty years of age, Morgan was ex- 
treiiiely dissipated; and spent much of his time in vulgar tippling and in gam- 
bling houses. However, although habituated to the free use of ardent spirits, 
he wus never considered as a drunkard; and though enamored with cards and 
dice, he was a cautious player, increasing rather than diminishing his cash fund. 
This course of life subjected him to many affrays and furious pugilistic combats. 
The theatre of these exploits was Berryville, a small village in the county of 
Frefientk, ciiminonly called Batiletown; named, as is generally supposed, from 
the fierce combats fought on its sail under the banners of Morgan. 

Wnatt've. mey hav be^-n the cause, it is certain that he spent much of his 
leisure at this place ; that he fought there many severe battles ; and that though , 
often vanquisheu he never was known to omit seizing the first opportunity wiiich 
presented, after return of strength, of taking another bout with his conqueror; 
and this he repeated from time to time, until at length victory declared iu his 
favour. 

Such was the innate invincibility of young Morgan — which never forsook him, 
when, by the strength of his unimproved genius, and the propitiousness of for- 
tune, he gained an extended theatre of action; as replete with difficulty as to 
him with glory. When he returned from Bra^'dock's expedition he reassumed 
his former employment, and drove his own wagon. In a few years his pre- 
vious savings, adcJed lo the little he earned in the campaign, enabled him to 
tiurchase a small tract of land from a Mr. Blackburn, in the county of Frederick ; 



APPENDIX. 429 

on which, inuring our WQr, lie erected a handsome mansion liouse, with suitable 
accompanying iiiiprovenici'.ts, and cylleH it Saratoga, — in conimenioration of 
the si<;[ial victory obtained by general Gales, to wliich he had himself princi- 
pally i;ontiibuted. On this faini Morgan, having married shortly after his re- 
turn from his military tour, resided when the revolutionary war broke out. 

I'he smattering of experience gained during Braddock's expedition, pointed 
him out to the lending men of Frederick, as qualified to command the first 
company of riflemen, rai^ed in that county in defence of our country. He 
speeiiily complited his company, as :i!l tlie finest youth of Frederick flock^jd to 
him ; among whom was iienten;int, afterwards colonel Heth, and many others, 
who ia the course of the war became approved officers. With this company 
Riorgan hastened to the American army encamped before Boston, in 1775, and 
soon afterwards was detached by the couimander in chief undeir Arnold, in his 
memorable expedition against Quebec. 

The bold and disastrous assault, planned and executed by the celebrated 
Montgomery against that city, gave oppoitunity for the display of heroism to 
individuals, and furnished cause of detp regret to the nation by the loss of the 
much beloved Montgomeiy. No officer flistmguished himself more than cap- 
tain Morgan. Arnold commanded the colunii\ to which Morgan was attached, 
and beranie disabled by a ball through his leg early in the action, and was car- 
ried ofi" to a place of safety. 

Our troops having lost their leader, each corps pressed forward as the exam- 
ple 01 its officer invited Mori;an took the lead, and proceeded by Serjeant, af- 
te wards lieutenant colonel, Por'erritdd, who unfortunately ff>ll at the battle of 
Ciimden, when his life mignt h.ivo saved an armj', mounted the first barrier; and 
rushing forward, passed tiie second barrier, lieutenant Ileth and Serjeant Porter- 
fiel I o'ily before him. In tiiis point of the assault a group of noble spirits united 
in siiriiiountiiig the obstncles opposed to our progress; among them were Greene 
and Thayer of Rhode Isliuid, Hendricks of Pennsylvania, and Humphreys of 
Viiginirt ; the two last of whom vvere killed. 

Vain was this blaze of glory. Montgomery's fallstojiped the further advance 
of tne principal column of attack ; and the severity of the raging storm, the 
obstacles of nature and of art in our way, and the combined attack of the en- 
emy's force, no longer divided by attention to the column under Montgomery, 
OTerpowered all resistance Morgan (witli most of the corps of Ainold) was 
taken; and as heretofoie mentioned, experienced a different treatment front 
sir Guy Carleton than was at thiU period customary for British ofticers to dis- 
pense to Ainerican prisoners. The kindness of Caileton, from motives of policy, 
applied more forcibly to the privates than theoificers, and produced a durable 
impression. 

While Morgan was in confinement at Quebec^ the following anecdote, told by 
himself, maiiifests the high opinion entertained by tne enemy ^.{ his military 
talents from his cond:ict in this assault. He was visited occasionally by a Bri- 
tish officer, to him unknown; but fr(mi his uniform, he appeared to belong to 
the navy, and to be an officer of distinction. During one of his visits, after 
conversing upon many topics, " he asked Morgan if he did not begin to be con- 
vinced that the resistance of America was visionary ? and he endeavoured to 
impress him with the disastrous consequences which must infallibly ensue, if the 
_.,idle attempt was persevered in, and veiy kindly exhorted him to renounce the, 
ill advised undertaking. He declared, with seeming sincerity and candour, his 
admiration of Morgan's spirit and enterprise, which he said were worthy of a 
better cause ; and told him, if he would agree to withdraw from the American 
and join the British standard, he was authorized to promise him the commission, 
rank and emoluments of a colonel in the royal army.'' Morgan rejected the 
proposal with disdain ; and concluded his reply by observing, *' That he hoped 
lie would never again insult him in his distressed and unfortunate situation, by 
making him offers which plainly implied that he thought him a rascal." The 
officer witlidrew, and the offer was never repeated. 

As soon as our prisoners were exchanged, Morgan hastened to the army; and 
Hy the recommendation of general Washingtoo, was appointed to the command 



430 APPENDIX. 

of a regiment. In this station he acted unHer the rommaiirfer in chief In 177?, 
when a select lifle corps was formed out of the others in the nrmy, and commit- 
led to his direction, seconded by lieutenant colouel Richard Butler of I'ennsyl- 
vania, and major Morris of New Jersey, two otiicers of high talents, and espe- 
cially qualified for the entei'prising service to which they were assigned. Morgan 
nnd his riflemen were singularly useful to Washington ; but our loss of Ticon- 
<;eroga, and the impetuous advance of Burpoyne, proclaimed so loudly the 
gloomy condition of our atfairt in tiie North, that the general who thought only 
of the public good, deprived liimself ol Morgan and sent him to Gales, where 
he was persuaded his seivices ivete most rpquiied. 

The splendid issue of the subsequent campaign and the triumph of Gates have 
been mentioned, as well as the instrumentality of Morgan in producing the 
glorious issue. Great and effectual as were his exertions, general Gates did 
not even mention him in his ofiicial despatches. The cause of this cruel oniis- 
sion was then known but to a few. 

Genera! Morgan himself says, that innnediatcly after the surrender of Biir- 
goyne he visited Gates on business, when he was taken aside by the general, 
and confidentially told that the main army was extremely dissatisfied with the 
•conduct of the war by the commander in chief; and that several of the best officerg 
threatened to resign unless a change took place. Morgan perfectly understood 
the views of Gates in this ccuiference, although be was then a stranger to the 
correspondence whicli he had held with Conway and otiiers; and sternly replied, 
*'lhal he had one favour to ask of him, which was, never to mentmn that de- 
leslible subject to him again; for under no other man liiau Washington, as com- 
mander in chief, would he ever serve." From that moment all intimacy be- 
tween himself and Gates ceased ; and when, a few days afterwards, the latter 
yare a dinner to the princi|)al officers of the British arniy, among which of course 
some of eurs were mixed, Morgan was not invited. 

It so happened that this meritorious officer found it necessary to call upon 
general Gates the same evening on military business. He was introduced into 
the tiinin" room; and as soon as he spoke with Gates withdrew, unannounced 
to his guests. The British officers iiuiuired his name, seeing from his uniform 
that he was a field officer ; and upon being informed that it was colonel Morgan, 
they arose from th.- f.ib!e, overtook him in the yard, and made themselves se- 
verally known to him ; having, as they ingenuously declared, severely felt hi.ii 
in the field. Thus the slight of Gates recoiled poignantly on bin. self. 

After the return of Morgan to the main army, he continued actively employed 
by the commander in chief, and never failed to promote tiie good of the service 
by his sagacity, iiis vigilance, and his perseverance. In 1780 his health became 
much impaired, and he obtained leave of absence, when he returned to his 
family in Frederick, where he continued until after the fall of Charleston. 

When general Gates was called to the chief command in the SoiUh, he visited 
Morcan, and urged the colonel to accompany him. Morgan did not conceal 
his dissatisfaction at the trcitment he had heretofore received, and proudly 
spote of the important aid he had rendered to him, and the ungrateful return 
he bad experienced. Being some few weeks afterwards promoted by csngress 
to the rank, of brigadier general by brevet, with the view of detaching him 
to the South he repaired to the aimy of Gates, but did not reach Carolina in 
lime to take 'a part in the battle of Camden. Ho joined Gates at Hillsborough, 
and was sent under Smallwood to Salisbury with all the force fitted for service. 
Gates as soon as he had prepared the residue of his army, followed, and gave 
to Morgan, in his airangements for the field, the command of the light troops. 

Greene now arrived as the successor of Gates, which was followed by that 
distribution of his force which led to the battle pf the Cowpens; the particulars 
of which have been related, and the influence of which was felt in every sub- 
sequent step of the war in the Carolinas. 

* Morgan, when overtaken by Greene on his retreat with his prisoners, had 

* This anecdote is considered by colonel Howard to be derived from erroneous 
Jnforraation. Before he reached the Cahawba and before he was joined b^ 



APPENDIX. 431 

Jetideil upon pass'ing the mouutaina ; a resolution no doubt salutary in its ef- 
tfct, if applin<l to llic safsty of his own corps nnd of the prifoners, but fatal 
»o the operations of Greene, which ought to have guided the deliberations 
of Morgan, but which seems not lo iiave had its due weight. Greene forbade 
the measure ; which produced a declaration from Morgan, that he would be 
no lonf^er respcmsible for consequences : to which the restorer of the South am« 
icably and firmly replied, " neither shall you ; for tlie measure is my own.'' 

Morgan continued at the head of the light troops until the two divisions of 
the army united at Guilford conrt-boufe. Tliere every persuasion and excite- 
ment were essayed to induce him to retain his command until the army made 
good its retreat ; but the effort was vain. He left us, and left impressiuns with 
many not very favourable to that purity ot patriotism essential to round the 
character of a great soldier. Returning iiomc, he continued in tranquillity 
with his family, bestowing his attention on the improvement of his farm and hr: 
fortune. 

When the infatuated transnrontane inhabitants of Pennsylvania menaced by 
force of arms to prostrate t!ie majesty of the laws, and consequently reducetl 
president Washington to the mortifying necessity of arresting their folly aurl 
wickedness by the bayonet, Morgan was summoued by the executive of Vir- 
ginia to the field, at the head of the mtlitia of that state, ordered on this ser- 
vice ; having been some years before appointed senior nuijor general in the cum- 
nionwealth. 

On the advance of the army from fort Cumberland and Bedford to pass the 
Alleghany mountain!:, general Morgan was charged with the direction of the 
light troops of the left column. 

The ill treatment which his old frietul colonel Neville had experienced from 
a party of the insurgents, the exile of his son-in-law, Presley Neville, anrf his 
innate abhorrence of opposition to the laws of his country, whose government 
he admired in theory and in practice, gave to the mind of ^lorgrtn an imlis^nant 
irascibility which occasionally manifested itself on the expedition, to the fJis- 
quietude of those against whom it pointed. Nevertheless he bridled this adven- 
titious fierceness, and conformed his conduct to the regulations prescribed for 
the government of the army. 

Upon the retreat of the main body, Morgan was left at the head of a respecta- 
ble corps in the bosom of the insurgents until the ensuing spring ; when, by or- 
der of the president, his corps was withdrawn. 

The part he took upon this occasion seems to have inspired the general with 
a desire for political distinction. He was bafiled in the first, an<l succeeded in 
the sec(md, attempt to obtain a seat in the house of representatives of the Uiiiled 
States, from the district of Fredec.ick. Having served the constitutional period 
he returned to his family, and declined offering us a candidate at the ensuinif 
election. 

About this time his health was much impaired, and the robustness of his con- 
stitution was gradually s-inking. He had previously removed from Saratoga to 
a farm near his juvenile ground. Beery ville, (Battletown) ; and after a few 
years he retired from thence to the town of Wrichesler for the benefit o<" hks 
health, which more and more declined. Languishing for some years, he at 
length closed his eventful life at \\'iu(:liester. 

Morgan was stout and active, six feet in height, strong, not too much encuoi" 
bered with flesh, and was exactly fitted for the toih and pomp of war. His. rniiitl 
was discriminnting and solid, but not comprehensive and combinino-. His man- 
ners plain and decorrtus, neither insinuating nor repulsive. His conversation 
grave, sententious and considerate, unadorned ami uucaptivatiug. He reflected 
deeply, spoke little, and executed with keen jicrseverance whatever he under- 
took. He was indulgent in his military commaud, preferring always the affec- 

Greene, Morgao often told Howard that, " if it was necessary -to save the 
prisoners, he would cross the n)ountains with them;" but when he was joined 
by Greene, they were 3 or 4 days march ahead of him, and out of the enemv'f 
reach. — Ed.. 



432 



Al'PENDlX. 



tions of his troops, to that respect and awe which surround the rigid disciplina- 
rian. 

No man better loviid this world, and no n)an more reluctantly quitted it. He 
was in the habit of expressing this feelin;; to liis intimites without reserve, and 
used to say that he would agree to pass n.uch of Iris life as a t!,alley slave, rather 
than exchange this world foi that unknown, lio was the reverse of the great 
Washington in this respect, whom he very much rebvmblod in thnt happy nrix- 
ture of caution and ardour whicu disiinguihhcd tlie American hero. P'or the 
latter, whefi speakins; upon tlie subject "f Jfath, would often declare, that he 
would not repass liis life weie it in his opiiou. Tot no man, contradictory as 
it may appear, valued life less than Moif^an, when duty called hint to meet his 
foe. Stopped neither by danger nor by difficulty, he rnshi-d into the hottest of 
the battle, enamored with the glory which encircles victory. 

General Morgan, like thousands of mortals when nearly worn out by the 
hand of time, lesnrted for comfort to the solace of religion. He manifested 
great penitence lor the follies of his earlj' life ; this was iolluwed by joining the 
presbyterian church in full communion, with which he couiinued to his last day. 
When his remains were interred, an eloquent and appropriui" sermon was deli- 
vered to a crowded audience by the reverend .VIr. William Hill. 



II. — Page oC. 

Francis Mariow, colonel in the regular service, and brigadier in the militia 
of South Caiolina, was born at his father's plantation in the vicinity of George- 
town in South Carolina, in the year 1733. His ancestors were Huguenots, and 
tied fioni F'rance to British America upon the revocation of tlie e.iict of >iantz. 

They settled on Cooper river near Charleston, from whence the father of ge- 
neral Marion moved to the neighbourhood of Georgetown, where he resided dur- 
ing his life, occupied in the culture of his plantation. 

He had five sons, of wlioin Francis was the youngest; who, with his brothers> 
received only a common country education. As his three eldest sons arrived at 
the age of monhood, they successively obtained a portion of their father's pro- 
perty, after which the old gentleman became embarrassed in his affairs, and 
was, in consequence, deprived of tlie means of extending similar aid to his two 
youngest sons. I'hey had to depend upon their own exertions for support and 
comfort. 

Francis, at the age of sixteen, entered on board a vessel bound to the West 
Indies, with a diterminalion to fit himself for a seafaring; life. On his outward 
passage, the vess.l was suddenly upset in a gale of wind, when the crew took 
to their boat witliout water or provisions, it being impracticable to save any of 
either. A dog jumpK-ri into the boat with the crew, and upon his flesh eaten rawr 
diii the survivors of these unfoitunate men subsist for seven or eight days; in 
which period several died of httnger. 

AmoniT the few who escaped was young Marion. After reaching land, Ma^ 
rion relinq'iiRiied his original plan of lile, and engaged in the labours ofagricul- 
ture. In this occupation he continued until 1759, when he became a soldier^ 
and was appointed a lieutenant in a company of volunteers raised for an expe^ 
dition against the Cherokee Indi.ins, commanded by captain William Moultrie, 
(since general Moultrie) This expedition was conducted by governor Lyttle- 
ton : it was followed in a year or two afterwards by another invasion of the 
Cherokee country by colonel Grant, who served as major general in our war 
under sir William Howe. 

In this second expedition lieutenant Marion also served, having been promot- 
ed to the rank of captain. As soon as the wnr broke out between the colonies 
and mother country, Marion was called to the command of a company in the 
Cist corps riised by the state of South Carolina. He was soon afterwards pro- 
moted to a majority, and served in that rank under colonel Moultrie in his intre- 



APPENDIX. 4S$ 

pid defence of fort MouUiie against the combined attack of sir Henry Clinton 
and sir H. Parker on the 2tl of June, 177C. He was afterwards placed yi the 
hiiad of a regiment as lieutenant colonel commandant ; in which capacity he 
served during the siege of Charleston! when having fiattuiefi his leg by some 
accident, he became incapable of military duty, and fortunately for his country, 
escaped the captivity to which the giirrison was, in the sequel, turced to submit. 

When Charleston fell ii.to the enemy's hands, lieutenant colonel Marion 
abaniioned his State, and took shelter in iVorth Carolina, The n.oment he re- 
covered from the fracture of his leg. he ei)gi»g;»d in preparing the means of annoy- 
ing the enemy then in the flood tide of prosp>-rity With sixteen men only he 
crossed the Santee, and commenced thnt daring system of Vifurfare which has 
been related in the course of the prececiiug memoirs. 

General Marion was in st:iture of the smallest size, thin as well as low. His 
visage was not pleasing, and his manners not captivating. He was reserved 
and silent, entering into conversation only when necessary, and then with mo- 
desty <ind good sense. 

He possessed a strong mind, improved by its own reflection and observation, 
not by books or travel. His dress was like Ids address — plain, regarding coni» 
fort and decency only. In his meals he was abstemious, eating generally of one 
dish, and drinking water mostly. 

He was sedulous and constant in his attention to the duties of his station, to 
which every other consideration yielded. Even the charms of the fair, like the. 
luxuries of the table and t!ie allurements of wealth, seemed to be lo»t upon him. 

The procurement of subsistence for his men, and the contrivance of annoyance 
to his enemy, engrossed his entire mind. He was virtuous allovei ; never, even 
in manner, much less in reality, did he trench upon right. Beloveii by his 
friends, and respected by his enemies, lie exhibited a luminous example of the 
beneficial effects to be produced by an individual, who, with only small means 
at his command, possesses a virtuous heart, a strong head, and a mind devoted 
to the common good. After the war the general married, but had no issue. 
He died in February, 1795, leaving be.hind him an indisputable title to thi first 
jank among the patriots and soldiers of our revolution. 



I.— Page 136. 

William Davidson, lieutenant colonel commandant in the North Carolina 
line, and brigadier general in the militia of that State, was the youngest son of 
Georgd Davidson, who removed with his family from Lancaster county, in Penn- 
sylvania, in the year l750, to Rowan county in North Carolina. 

William was born in the year 1746, and was educated in the plain country 
nianne'- at an academy in Charlotte, the county town of Mecklenburgh, which 
adjoins Rowan. 

Like most of the enterprising youth of America, Davidson repaired to the 
standard of his country on the commencement ot our war, and was appointed a 
major in one of the first regiments forn^ed by the governuient of North Carolina. 

In t'.iis character he marched with the North Carolina line under brigadier 
Na^h to the main army in New Jersey, where he served under the commander 
in chief, until the North Carolina line was detached in November, 1779, to re- 
inforce the soutiiern army, commanded liy major general Lincoln. Previous to 
this event, major Daviflson was promoted to the cotnmand of a regiment with 
the rank of lieutenant colonel. 

As he passed through North Carolina, Davidson obtained permission to visit 
his family, from which he had been absent nearly three years. The delay pro- 
duced by this visit saved him from captivity, as he found Charleston so closely 
invested when he arrived in its neighbourhood, as to prevent his joining his re. 
giment.i 

Soon after the surrender of general Lincoln and his army, the loyalists of 
North Carolina not doubting the complete success of the royal forces, began tc 



434 AFFENDIX. 

embody themselves for the purpose of contributing ibcir active aid in the field to 
the subsequent operations oi the British general. They were numerous in the 
western parts of the state, and especially in the Highland settlempnt about Cross 
rreek. Lieutenant colonel Davidson put himself at the head of some ol our 
militia, called out to quell the expected insurrection. He proceeded with vigour 
>n the execution of his trust; and in an engagement with a party of loyalists 
near Calson's mill, he was severely wounded : the ball entered at the umbilical 
region, and passed through his body neai the kidneys. This confined him for 
eight weeks ; when recovering, he instantly took the field, h:iving been recently 
appointed brigadier general by the government of North Carolina, in the place 
of brigadier Rutherf>rd, taken at the battle of Camden. He exerted himself in 
conjunction with general Sumner and colonel Davie to intenupt the progress of 
lord Cornwallis in his advance towards Salisbury, and throughout tliat eventful 
period, gave unceasing evidences of his zeal and firmness in upholding his falling 
country. 

After the victory obtained by Morgan at the Cowpens, Davidson was among 
the most active of his countiymen in assembling the militia of hh district te 
enable general Greene, who had joined the light corps under Morgan, to stop 
the progress of the advancing enemy, and was detached by Greeue on the night 
of the last day of January to guard the very ford selected by lord Cornwallis for 
his passage of the Catawba rivei nn tiie next morning. Davidson possessed 
himself of the post in the night at the iiead of three hundred men; and having 
placed a picquet near the shore, stationed his corps at some small distance from 
the ford. 

This was a deviation from the orders of general Greene, who directed the bri- 
gadier to post his whole force close to the shore, under cover of the nearest trees. 
The cause of this change from the ordered position is not known, though very 
probably some justifiable reason produced it, as Davidson was in the habit of 
executing his orders with the utmost precision. The rencontre which easued in 
the morning has been related, witli its disastrous termination 

The loss of brigadier Davidson would have been always fell in any stage of 
the war. It was particularly detrimental in its effect at this period, as he was 
the chief instrument relied upon by Grifene for the assemblage of tiie militia ; an 
event all important at this crisis, and anxiously desired by the American general. 
The ball passed through his breast, and he instantly fell dead. 

This promising soldier wasthus lost to his country in the meridian of life, and 
at a moment when his services would have been higiily beneficial to her. He 
was a man of popular manners, pleasing address, active, and indefatigable. 
Devoted to the profession of arms, and to the great cause for which he fought, 
his future usefulness may be inferred (Vom his former conduct 

The conj^ress of the United States, in gratitude for his services, and in com- 
memoration of their sense of his worth, passed the following resolution: 

Ilesolved, That the grvernor and coun''.il of the stale of North Carolina be 
desired to erect a monument, at the expense of the United Slates, not exceeding 
*he value of five hundred dollars, to tlie memory of the late brigadier general Da • 
ridsoD, who commanded the militia of the district of Salisbury, in the state of 
North Carolina, and was killed on ihe first day of Fcbiuary last, fighting gal- 
'iantly in the defence of the liberty and independence of these states. 



K.— P;ige 70. 

William WaBHINCTON, lieutenant colonel commandant of a continental 
?egiment of dragoons during tlie revolutionary war, was the eldest son of fiaily 
■Wathiugton, Esq., of Stafford county, in the state of Virginia. 

First among the youth ol Virginia who hastened to the standard of his country, 
©n the rputure between Great Britain and her colonies, he was appointed to the 
command of a company of infantry in the third regiment of lh6 Virginia line, 
c^Bmmanded by colonel, afterwards brigadier general, Mercer. In rio corps;r 



APPENDIX. 435 

our service was the substantiul knowledge of the profession of arras more likely 
to be acquiierl. 

Here young VVashington learnt the rudiments of war. He fought witli this 
gallant regiment at York island, and on the retreat through New Jersey^ shar- 
ing with distinguished ajjplause in that disastrous period, its difficulties, its 
dangers, and its glor3'. When afterwards the commander iu chief struck at 
colonel Ralle, stationed with a body of Hessians in Trenton, captain Wash- 
ington was attached to the van of One of tlie assailing columns, and in that dar- 
ing and well executed enterprise, received a musket ball through his haud^ 
bravely leading on his company against the enemy. 

Tne commander in chief having experienced the extreme difficulties to which 
he had been exposed during the preceding campaign, by his want of cavalry^ 
was, shoitly alter this period, in consequesce of his suggestions to congress, 
authorized to raise three regiments of light dragoons. To the conlmand of one 
of these he appointed lieuttHjant colonel Baylor one of his aid-de-camps. To 
this regiment captain VVashington was transferred with the rank of major, and 
returned to Virginia for the purpose of assisting in recruiting the regiment. 

As soon as the corps was completed, Baylor joined the main army ; his regi" 
meat was, in 1778, surprised by a detachment of the British, led by major gene- 
ral Gray, and suffered extremely. Washington fortunately escaped; and in 
t'le course of the succeeding year, or early in 1780, he was detached with the 
remains of Bland's, Baylor's, and Moylan's regiments of horse to the army of 
major general Lincoln, in South Carolina, where he was constantly employed 
with the light troops, and experienced, with soni« flashes of fortune, two severe 
blows; first at Monk's Corner, wirre he commanded our horse, and last at Le- 
neau's ferry, when he was second to lieutenant colonel White, of Moylan's regi- 
ment. These repeated disasters so reduced our cavalry, that While and VVash- 
ington retired from the field and repaired to the eastern confines of IVorth Caro- 
lina for the purpose of repairing their heavy losses It was here that they ap- 
plied to general Gates for the aid of his name and authority to expedite the 
restoration and equipment of their regiments, that they might be ready to take 
the field under his orders. This salutary and proper request was, as has been 
mentioned, itrjudiciously disregarded ; from which omission very injurious con- 
sequences seem to have resulted in the sequel. 

After the defeat of general Gates on the I6th of the following Auiust, it will 
be recollected that the American general retired to Hillsborough from whence he 
returned to Salisbury. 

Lieutenant colonel VVashington, with his cavalry, now accompanied him, and 
formed a part of the light corps placed by Gates under the direction of brigadier- 
Morgan. He resumed his accustomed active and vigorous service, and was 
highly useful in the execution of the trust confided to IMorgan. 

During this period he carried, by an extraordinary stratagem, the post at 
Rudgley's; which drew from lord Cornwallis the followrng letter to lieutenant 
colonel Tarlelon. " Rudgley will not be made a brigadier. He surrendered, 
without firing a shot, himself and one hundred and three rank and file, to the 
cavalry only. A deserter of Morgan's assures us that the infantry never came 
within three miles of the House." 

Greene now succeeded Gales, when brigadier Morgan, with the light corps, 
was detached lo hang upon the enemy's left flank, and to threaten Ninety-Six. 

The battle of the Cowpens ensued, in which Washington at ihe he^id of out- 
horse, acquired fresh laurels. He continued with the light corps, performing 
with courage and precision the duties assigned him until the junction of the two 
divisions of the American army, at Gnillord court-house. Soon after this event 
a more powerful body of liorse and foot was selected by general Greene and 
placed under colonel Williams, of which Washington and his cavalry were a 
constituent part 

In the eventful and trying retreat which ensued, lieutenant colonel Wash- 
ington contributed his full share to the execution of the nieaMires of Williams, 
which terminated so propitiously to our arms, and so honourably to the light 
fToops and their commander. After our rci^assago of the Dan, Washington and hit 



4SQ AFFEiNDIX. 

horse were again placed in the van, and with Howard and Lee, led by Williams, 
played that arduous game of marches, counter-marches, and maiicBUvres. which 
greatly contributed to baffle the skilful display of talents and enterprise, exhi- 
bited by lord Cornwallis in his persevering attempt to force Greene, at the head 
of an inferior army, to buttle, or to cut him oif from his approaching reinforce- 
ments and supplies. 

We have seen the distinguished part this officer snccessivelv bore in the 
battles of Guilford, Hobkick's Hill, and Eutaws ; and we have found him through- 
out the arduous campaign of 1781, always at his post, fiim, and brave, court- 
ing danger, and coiiienining difficulty. His eminent services were lost to the 
army from the battle of Eutaws ; where, to its great regret, he was marie pri- 
soner : nor did he afterwards take any part in the vrar, as from the period of 
his exchange nothing material occurred, the respective armies being confined to 
minor operations, produced by the prospect of peace. While a prisoner in 
Charleston, Washington became acquainted with Miss Elliot, a young lady, in 
whom concentered the united attractions of res|)ectuble descent, opulence, polish 
and beauty. The gallant soliliei soon became enamored of his amiable ac- 
quaintance, and afterwards married her. 

This took place in the spring of 1782 ; and he established liimself in South 
Carolina at Sandy Hill, the ancestral seat of his wife. 

Washington seems to have devoted his subsequent years to don)estic duties, 
rarely breaking in upon them by attention to public affairs; and then only as 
a member of the state legislature. 

He possessed a stout frame, being six feet in height, broad, strong, and cor- 
pulent. His occupations and his amtiseine.-ts applied to the body, rather than 
to the mind ; to the cultivation of which he did not bestow much time or appli- 
catiun, nor was his education of the sort to excite such habits, being only cal- 
culated to (it a ni<an for the common business of life. In temper he was good 
humored, in disposition amiable, in heart upright, generous and friendly, iu 
manners lively, innocent and agreeable. 

His military exploits announce his grade and character in arms. Bold, col- 
lected and persevering, he preferred t!ie heat of action to the collection and 
sifting of intelligence, to the calculations and combinations of means and mea- 
sures, and was better fitted for the field of battle than for the drudgery of camp 
and the watchfulness of preparation. Kind to his soldiers, his system of disci- 
pline was rather lax, and sometimes subjected him to injurious consequences, 
.when close to a sagacious and vigilant adversary. 

The Washington family emigrated froai England, and setilec in Virginia, al- 
ways respectable and respected The consanguinity of its numerous rannfica- 
tions is involved in doubt : but it is generally believed that they sprang fiom the 
same source. 

Lieutenant colonel Washington was selected by his illustrious relation when 
he accepted the command of the army during the presidency of Mr. Adams as 
one of his staff, with the rank of brigadier general, a decided proof of the high 
value attached by the best judge in America to his military talents. 

Leading a life of honour, of benevolence and hospitality, in the bosom of his 
family and friends, during which, until his last two years, he enjoyed high health, 
this gallant soldier died, after a tedious indisposition, leaving a widow, with a 
son and daughter, the only issue of bib marriage. 



L.~Page 23. 

Christopher Greene, lieutenant colonel connnandant of one of the Rhode 
Island regirnents in the service of congress, duriixg the revolutionary war, was 
born in the town of Warwick in the state of Rhode Island in the year 1737. 
His father, Philip Greene, Esq., was descended from Jouatlian Greene, Esc]., one 
of the earlest settlers of Massachusetts bay. The latter gentleman emigrated 
from England in the year 163", and settled in Salem, now a well improved opu- 



APPENDIX. 437 

^ent eommercial town. Mr. Greene, soon after his arrival, purchased from the 
Indian Sachems Micantenomon find Socononeo, a pari of i!ie township of VVar- 
wick called Orcupassaiioxet, which property is still possessed by some of tiii 
descendants. He left three sons, the progenitors of a numerous and respectable 
face of nien, successively distinguished as well by the highest offices in the 'gift 
of their country, as by their taleutj, their usefulness and goadness. 

Philip Greene, the fatiier of the lieutenant colonel, was a gentleman of the 
first respectability in the state, beloved for his virtues, and admired for his ho- 
nourable discharge of the dutie s of the various stations to which he was called, 
the last of vyhirh placed him upon the bench as judge of the common pleas in 
ihe county of Kent. 

A father so situated could not but cherish the intellectual powers of his proge- 
ny with the most careful atiention. 

Christopher received all the advantages in the best line of education procura- 
ble in our country, which he took care to improve by the most assiduous applt> 
cation. 

He was particularly attached to the study of mathematics, in which he made 
great proficiency, and thus laid up a stock of knowledge exactly suitable for that 
profession to which he was afterwards une.xpectedly called. 

Exhibiting in early life his capacity and amiability, he was elected, by hie- 
native town when very young, to a seat in the colonial legislature, which he 
continued to fill by successive elections until the commencement of the revo- 
lutionary war. At this period the legislature wisely established a military corps, 
styled, " Kentish guards," for the purpose of fitting the most select of her youth 
for military office. In this corps young Greene was chosen a lieutenant, and in 
May, 1775, he was appointed by the legislature a major in what was then 
called *' an army of observation'" — one brigade of one thousand six hundred 
effectives, under the orders of his near relation, brigadier Grenne, afterward.? 
so celebrated. 

From this situation he was promoted to the command of a company of in- 
fantry, in one of the reeimenis raised by the state for continental service. The 
regiment to which he belonged was attached to the army of Canada, conducted 
by general Montgomery, in the vicissitudes and difficulties of which campaign 
captain Greene shared, evincing upon all occasions that unyielding intrepidity 
which maiked his militaiy conduct in every subsequent scene. In the attack 
upon Quebec, which terminated as well the campaign as the lile of the renowned 
Montgomery, captain Greene belonged to the column which entered the lower 
town, and was made prisoner. 

His elevated mind ill brooked the iiksomeness of captivity, though in the hands 
rtf the eiilightened and humane Caileton; and it has been uniformly asserted, 
tliat while a prisoner, Greene often declared that "he would never again be 
taken alive ;" a resolution unhappily fulfilled. 

As soon as cnptain Greene was exchanged he repaired to his regiment, with 
which he continued without inteiniiss-ion, performing with exemplary propriety 
Mie various, duties of his progressive stmioiis, when he was promoted to the ma- 
jority of Varnuin's regiment. In 1777 he succeeded to t!(e command of the re- 
giment, and was selected by \Vflshin';ton to take charge of fort Alercer, (com- 
monly culled (led Bank) the safe keeping of which post, with that of fort Mifliiti^ 
(Mud island) was very properly deeiried of primary iinportancft. 

The nol)le manner in which culDuel Gree;ie susiaiiied himself against a supe- 
rior force of veternn troop?, led by an officer of ability, hns been particularly 
relited in the body of this work, as also tlie well earned rewards which followed 
his memorable defence. Consummating his military fame by his achievements 
On that proud day, he could not be ovei looked liy the commander in chief, when 
greiU occasions called for g;nfat exertions. Greene was accordingly attached' 
with his regiment to the t/oops placed niidor mrijnr Sulliviin, for the purpose of 
breaking up the enemy's post on Riiode Island, sonn after the arrival of the 
French fleet uirier count d'fclstiiing in the summer of 1176 ; which well concert- 
ed enterprise was marred in the execution by some of those incidents which 
abound in war, and tspeciaUy when tlic enterprise is- complicatPil and ertrustPf' 



438 APFEiNDIX. 

to allied forces, and Requiring na^-al co-operalion. Returning to headquarters^ 
colonel Greene coiUinuerl to seive under tlie connnander in chief, whoso confi- 
dence and esteem be invariably enjoyed. 

In the spring of 1781, when general Washington begfan to expect the promised 
navhl aid from onr best friend tlie ill-fated Louis the XVI , lie occasionally ap- 
proached the enemy's lines on the side of York Island. In one of these move- 
ments, colonel Greene, with a suitable force, wns posted on the Croton river, iti 
advance of the army. On the nther siie of this rivt^r lay a coips of refugees, 
(American citizens wlio had joined the British army) under tlie command of 
«oInnel Delancey Tliese half citizens, hall soldiers, were notorious for rapine 
and murder; and to their vindictive conduct may be justly ascribed most of the 
cruelties which stained the progress of our war, and which at length compelled 
Washington to order captain Asgill, of the British army, to be brought t6 head- 
quartets for the purpose of retaliating, by his execution, the murder of captain 
Huddv of New Jersi'y, perpetrated by a captain Lippincourt of the refugees. 
The commandant of these lefugees, (Delancey was not present) having ascer- 
tained the position of Gtcfne's corps, wliich the colonel had cantoned in adja- 
cent fartn houses, probably with a view to the procurement of subsistence, took 
the resolution to strike it. This was accordingly done by a nocturtril movement 
on the 13ih of May. The enemy crossed the Croton before day li;iht, and has- 
tening his advance, reached our station with the dawn of day, unperceived. As 
be approached the farm house in whitli the lieutenant colonel wus quartered, 
the noise of troops mar<'hing was heard, which was the first intimation of tho fa- 
tal design. Greene and major Flagg immediately prepared themselves for de- 
fence, but they were too hite, so expeditious was the progress of tho enemy. 
Flag'T discharged his pistols, and instantly afterwards fell mortally wounderl ; 
when the ruffians (unworthy the appellation of soldiers) burst open the door of 
Greene's apartment. Here the giillant veteran singly received them with his 
drawn sword. Several fell beneath the arm accustomed to conquer» till at 
length overpowered by numbers, and faint from the loss of blood streaming from 
his wounds, barbarity triumphed over valour. " His right arm was almost cut 
off in two places, the left in one, a severe cut on the left shoulder, a swoid thrust 
through ihe abdomen, a bayonet in the right side, and another through the ab- 
domen, several sword cuts on the head, and many in different parts of the body." 

Tims cruelly mangled fell the generous conqueror of count Donop, whose 
wounds, as well as thuse of his unlbrtuiiate associates, had been tenderly dressed 
as soon as the battle terminated, and whose pains and sorrows had been as ten- 
terlv assuaged. How different was the relentless fury here displayed 1 

The connnander in chief heard with anguish and indignation the tragical 
fate of his loved, and fiiithful friend and soldier, in which feelings, the army 
sincerely p.irticipated. On the subsequent dny the corpse was brought to head 
quarters, and his funeral was solemnized with military honourii and universal 

grief. 

Lieutenant colonel Greene was murdered in the meridian of life, beings only 
forty-four yeais old. He married, in l7o}{. Miss Anne Lippit, a daughter of J, 
Linuit Esq. of Warwick, whom he left a widow with three sons and four daugh- 
ters. He was stout and strong in person, ahout five feet ten inches high, with a 
broad routid chest, his aspect manly, and demeanor pleasing; enjoying always 
a hi*^!) state of health, its bloom irradiated a countenance, whicli significantly 
tfxpressed the fortitude and mildness invariably displayed throughout his life. 



M.— Pa-e 175. 

John Eager Howard, lieutenant colonel crmimandant oi the second regiment 
of Maryland, was born on the 4th of June, 1752, on the farm settled by his grand- 
father Jt,snua llowaid, in the county of Bnltinmre. 'J'his geniJeman, when 
veiy v'oung. liad lelt his father residing in tlie vicinity of the town of ^.anches- 
ter in England, to join the army of King James, moving to quell the insurrcc- 
rion headed by the duke of Monmouth. The object being effectually accom- 



APPENDIX. 43d 

plisheH, young IlowarfJ, conscious of l>aving excited tlie displeasure of bis fa- 
ihei by liis uii^iuihorizefl depaituie fioin hiJine, determined not to return, but t» 
seek Ills fortune in America. He t-mbHrited for IVIaryland, whefe arrtviug,' h« 
purchased the tract of land nbove mentioned, on which he eKtabtished himself, 
liaving married Miss Joanna O'Cairoll, wliose father and family had lately set- 
tled in the same colony from Ireliind. Mr. Howard had a uunierous progeny. 
One of his sons, Cornelius, mariied Miss Huth Eager, the daughter of John Ea- 
.ger, the son of Geor(;e Eager, who possessed an estate adjoining to and now part 
of the city of Baltimore. 

John Eager Howard, the son of Cornelius, was educated in the customary 
manner of our couritry, being intended for no particular profession. The «lis- 
pule between the colonies and the mother country issuing in an appeal to the 
sword, one of the first measures of defence adipied by the colonies, was the as- 
semblaee of bodies of the militia, denorninateil flying camps. The first of these 
in Maryland was formed in June, 1776, when young Howard, then twenty-three- 
yeais of age, oiTered his services, and receiveu the commission of captain in » 
regiment commanded by colonel Josias C. Hall, Engaged for a few montht 
only, this corps was discliarged in December; before which period congress had 
prep.vred a Eysteni of defence, requiring from each of the confederate states its 
proportion of men to be enlisted, organized and disciplined as regular soldiers. 
The state of Maryland furnished seven regiments, in one of which captain 
Howard, in obedience rather to the wishes of ilie state commissioners, empow- 
ered to appoint officers, than to his own inclination, was retained. Shortly af- 
terwards tlle^e regiments were organized, and captain Howard was promoted to 
a majority in the fourth regiment, nt the head of which w;<s placed the same 
colonel Hall In the summer of 1779 he was appointed lieutenant colonel of 
the fifth, in the spring of 1780 he was transferred to the sixth, commanded 
by colonel Williams, and after the battle of Hobkick's Hill, he succeeded to 
the command of the second, in consequence of the death of lieutenant colonel 
Ford, who never recovered from the wound received in that battle. 

In this station Howard continued uniil the army was disbanded, when he 
returned to his native state, married Miss Margaret Chew, daugfiiter of Ben- 
jamin Chew, Esq. of Philadelphia, and settled on his patrimonial farm near 
Baltimore, where he now resi<les, enjoying " otmm cum dignitate."* 

This officer was one of the five lieutenant colonels, on whom Greene rested 
throughout the hazardous operations to which he was necessarily exposed, by 
his grand determination to recover the South, or die in the attempt. 

We have seeii him, at the battle of the Cowpens, seize the critical moment, 
and turn the fortune of the day; — alike conspicuous, though not alike success- 
ful, at Guilford and the Eutaws ; and at all times, and on all occasions, em- 
inently useful. He was justly ranked among the chosen sons of the South, 

Trained to infantry service, he wasinvarial)ly employed in that line, and was 
always to be found where the battle raged, pressing in'o close action to wrestle 
with fixed bayonet. I'lacid in temper, and reserved in deportment, he never 
lessened his martial fame, by arrogance or ostentation, nor clouded it with 
garrulity or self-conceit. 

Granting to all tiie applatise due to their merits, he enjoyed that due to him- 
self with universal assent. 

General Greene, whose discriminating mind graduated, with nice exactitude 
the merit of all under him, tiius speaks of tliis officer, in a private letter to hi« 
friend in Maryland, dated the 14lh of Novembi^r, 1781. 

" This will be handerl to you by colonel Howard, as good an officer as the 
world affords. He has great abiliiy and the bes^t disposition to promote the ser- 
vice. My own obligations to him are great — tlie public's still more so. He de- 
serves a statue of gold no less than the Roman and Grecian heroes. He has 
been wounded, but has happily recovered, and now goes honu: to pay a little 
attention to Ins private affairs, and to take charge of the fiftli Maryland regimcul 
recruiting in your state. With esteem and resjieci, 1 am, dear sir, yours, 

J\. GREENE.'* 

* He lias since been governor of Maryland — and served in Congress, 



440 APPENDIX. 

O.— Page 277. 

Otho Holland Williams was descended from tlie EngHsh stock, his an- 
oestois having emigrated s.oon after loid Baltimore became propiietov of the col- 
ony of Maryland. 

His father settled in the county of Prince George, where Olbo, his eldest son. 
•was born in the year 1748. His father soon afterwards removed from Prince 
Geoige to Fred, rick county and settled near the mouth of Conogocheaque creek, 
where hinisalf and wife died, leavinj; one daughter, and two sons, the older sou 
not more thnn twelve years old. A Scotch gentleman by the name of Ross, 
having married his sister, Otho was taken under his protection, and was bred 
up in the clerk's office of the county, a professii.n which presented bettei pros- 
pects to a young man, than any other olfice then procurable, under the colonial 
government of Maryland Ross dying, colonel Steell of Hagerstown, married 
his widow, and continued to patronize his wife's brothers. In this situation 
Williams continued until he was removed just before the war broke out, to the 
clerks office in the county of Baltimore, ,of which he had the principal direction, 
and the business of which he conducted with exemplary propriety. Anxious to 
draw his .sword in defence of his oppressed country, as soon as toe last resort 
became inevitable, Williams was appointed lieutenant In the company of rifle- 
men raised in the county of Frederick, commanded by captain Price, and march- 
ed in 1775 to the Americdn camp before Boston. In 1776 a rifle legiment was 
formed, of which Stephenson was appointed colonel, Rawlings lieutenant colo- 
nel, and Williams ni.ijor. 

Stephenson soon dying, the command of the regiment devolved upon Raw- 
lings, who, with hisregiu.ent, formed p^rt of the garrison of Port Washington, 
in the state of New York, wlien assailed by sir William Howe, pushing Wash- 
ington over the North river. In this attack, the rifle regiment opposed the Hes- 
sian column, and behaved to admiration, holding for a long time, victory iii 
suspense, and severely cri|)()ling its adversary. The fort was nevertheles car- 
ried by capitulation, and its garrison became prisoners of war. After the sur- 
render of Burgoyne's army, colonel Wilkinson, adjutant general to general 
Gates, who was personally attached to major Williams, procuieH his exchange 
lor major Ackland, wounded in the fiist action between the northern armies, 
and left on the giound, with many others, to the mercy of the Ainericati gene- 
ral. While in captivity, Williams became entitled to the command of a regi- 
ment, and as soon as he was exchanged, he was placed at the head of the (3th 
Maryland. The Maryland and Delaware lines having been detached to South 
Carolina, soon after tlie reduction of Charleston, colonel Williams accompiinied 
the Baron De Kalb, and after general Gates took command of the Army, be 
was called to the important station of adjutant general to the same He bore a 
distin-ruished part in the battle of thelGth of August, and shared with the gene- 
ral in the bitter adversity of that disastrous day. 

When Greene took command of the Southern army, colonel Williams was 
retained in the station he then occupied, whicli he held to the end of the war, 
enjoying the uninterrupted confidence of Ins commander, and the esteem of his 
fellow soldiers. 

Throughout the important campaign which followed, he acted a conspicuous 
part, and greatly contributed by the honourable and iiitel'igent discharge of 
the duties of the station which he held, to the successful issue of Greene's ope- 
rations. At the head of the light troops, during our difficult retreat, he was 
si-^nHlly efficient, in holding the army safe until it Effected its passage across 
the Dan ; and after Greene's return into North Carolinft, when lo save that 
state, the American general was constiamed to put to hazard his inferior force, 
he was not less useful in thwarting the various attempts of lord Cornwallis to 
strike his antao-oni?t. We have seen with what vigour and effect he seconded 
Ids general in the fields of Guilford, of Hobkick, and of Eutavvs, invariably 
exciting by his impiessive cxam])le, officer and soldier to the animated display 
of skill and courage. 

Returning, upon peace, to his native state, the government desirous (a 



APPENDIX. 441; 

sentiiHPnt 0/ that lime common through Anierica,) to reward whenever it had 
the poHni, thdi-e officers and soldiers who continued in seivice to the last, be- 
siowe"i upon \\w distinguished patriot, the collectorbhip of the port of Baltimore^ 
the most lucrative o/fire within its gift. 

On the adoption of the present government of the Union, Washington was 
called to the prefideocy. and of couise continued Williams, with whose merit 
he was particnlaily acquainted, in his office. 

Previous to tliis epoch, he married Miss Mary Smith, daughter of Williana 
Smith, ej() one of the most respectable inhabitants of the town, by whom he 
had four sons, all of whom survived their paients. General Williams's he.'ilth 
had, for many years before his death, been very delicate, resulting from the 
hardships incident to cniiitary life, increased in his case by the severe treatment 
experienred while a prisoner in New York, which was peculiarly ojipressive 
wiiil'' Sir Wm. Howe con>m:-inded the British forces in America. Vainlv at- 
tempting by change of climate, and every otlier advisable measure, to stop the 
menacing diseiise, he, unhappily for his country, his family and friends, fell a 
victim to a pulmonary complaint in July 1794, on his way to the Svteet Springs. 
His amiable and disconsolate widow soon fell the victim of grief, exhibiting a 
rare display of ihe tenderness and ardour of conjugal love. 

Brigadier general Williams was about five feet ten inches high, erect and 
elegant Inform, made for activity rather than strength. His countenance was 
expressive, and tiie faithful index, of his warm and honest heart. Pleasing in 
his address, he never failed to render himself acceptable, in whatever circle he 
moved, notwithstanding a sternness of character, which was soinflimfs mani- 
fested with too much asperity. He was cordial to his friends, but cold to all 
wliosft correctness in moral principle became questionable in his mind. As a 
soldier, he may be called a rigid, not cruel disciplinarian, obeying strictly his 
superior, he exacted obedience from his inferior. He possessed that range of 
mind, rtlthough self-educated, which entitled him to the highest military station, 
and was actuated by true courage which can refuse as well as give battle. 
Scaring far above the reach of vulgar praise, he aimed singly at promoting 
the common weal, satisfied with the consciousness of doing right, and ilcsiring 
only that share of applause, which was justly bis own. 

There was a loftiness and liberality in liis character, which forbade resort to 
intrigue and hypocricy, in the accomplishment of his views, and rejected Ihe 
contemptible practice of disparaging others to exalt himself. 

In the fiold of battle he was sell possessed, intelligent and ardent; in camp 
circumspect, attentive and systematic ; in counsel sincere, deep, and perspica- 
cious During the campaigns of general Gree'ie, hi w/.s uniformly one of his 
few advisers, and held his unchanged confidence. Kor was he less esteemed 
by liis brother officers, or lets resjjeined by liis soldiery 

Previous to the disbamimcnt of the aimy, congress manile'ted their sense of 
Williams's merit aiKl services, by promoting him to the rank ol brigadier general, 
of wliich event we have his own account, in a letter to his Iricnd, major Pendle- 
ton, xvritten in Philadelphia, and dated May l8, 1782. 

*'MT dear PENDLETOrt: 

" Your laconic epistle of the 20th April w<is handed to me by general Si* 
Clair, in the tituation you wished. Involved in a scene of the most agree^hlg 
amusements, I have scarcelj* had time for reflection, therefore, if I have beea 
guilty of any omission towards you, or any other of my Southern friends, [ hope 
it will be imputed to the infatuating pleasures of the metropolis. 

" My promotion, (^for which I am principally indebted to my iflvaiuable friend, 
general Greene.) might |)rove the efficacy of making a short, r^mpdign to court, 
(especially as it had been once rejected) if the circumstair^is which attended it^ 
did not too evi.ientiy discover how much the greatest fl^en are actuated by ca- 
price, and how liable the most respe( table b 'dies are to inconsistencies. Upon 
the application of general Greene, seconded by the recoinmeBriation of Wash- 
ington, the voles ot congress were taken, whether I should or sb' old not bei 
niade a brigadier, in consequence of former resolves, which veiv clearly, in my 
56 



^"Srv^ 



APPENDIX. 



opinion, gave ms a ri2;Iit to promotion. It was resolverl in the iifgaiive. Upon 
the second nioti<'n in coiigieps, the same letters were re-coiihi-ieied, and the man 
who'e legal claim was rejected, (because it was inconveiiit-ni, or might jrive 
(ifTibraiie to others, i is piouioted in cunsideraiion of liis di6tiiit;uished talents and 
services. I vvi.-h I miy be always able to justify and maintain an opinion that 
tl< es me so mwrh honour. If congress will please to wink at n-y imperfections, I 
will be oarul'ul not to merfale with theiis.'' 



General Akdrew Pickeivs was born in Fasten township, Pennsylvania, on 
tin- I'JtIi ^eptell)ber, l^o^. Hi> parents were fioni Ireland — his ancestors frotn 
Frani-e. VN hen he was a chiid his f.itl-.er removed to the county of Augusta, in 
V if;inia, and in i752 to the VVaxhaw settlement in South Carolina Bred on 
the Indi-in lri>ntifrs,his first occupations were hunting and war, those in which our 
bestuatiiots have been nursed. In the French war which was concluded by the 
peace of 'tJ'i, he served as a volunteer in (^rant's expedition against the Chero- 
kees In tlie levohitionary contest he took an early and spiiited part — was 
captain, major, colonel, and brjf^adier general sud essively in the militia of 
South Carilina ; and by his rconstant an;l gallant exertions contiibuted, in an 
equal degree with Sumter and Marion, to the liberation ot the souihtrn states. 
Tne reader will have noticed his activity and valour at the Cowpens, at Haw 
liver at Augusta, and at Eutaw, at w hicli last place a musket ball which struck 
bis breast « as preventi'd from proving mortal by tiie buckle of his sword belt. 
He coinniiuided in chief in several Indian expeditions. In "79 at Kettle Creek, 
he defeated coh-nel Boyd, a very brave ofncer, at the head of a body of toiies 
and Indians, double his own force in numbers This act'on, in which Boyd was 
killed, dis[iersed and greatly <iispiuted ibe toiies in the western part>; of South 
Caiolint an<l Georgia, and gave an ascendency to the wliigs. In 1781 he was 
equally etBcient and successful in an expedition against the C^herokees, which is 
recorded in tire body of this woik. He served in the legislature of South Caro- 
lina fioni the close of the war until '91-, when he was elftctedto congress. In '95 
he letired from congiess, and then was re-elected to the state legislature until 
he declined that office also He was unanimously elected major general o! the 
first division of South Carolina militia ; and was repeatedly appointed by the 
federal govi-cnnient a coi!iniissi,oner to treat with the soulheii Indians, in con- 
junction with colonel Irla'vkins, witll governor Blount, and with general Wilkin- 
son I'resideni Washington offered him a biigade of light troops under general 
Wayne, against the nor hem Indians, which service he declined. In all his pidj- 
lic sialio'is his conduct was faitlilul and efficient, satisfacuny to his country, and 
hnaou.able to liunself. In 1765 be m;irried .vliss Caliiouii, the aunt of the pre* 
sent Vice I'resident of the United States. She bore hun three sons and six 
d riighteis, iill of whvrm survived their parents. This great and good rnililnry 
chifJliiDi died on the I'th of August, 1817, at Tennessee, in Pendleton distiict, 
Souih Carolina, a seat at which he had long resided and which was peculiarly 
inte^eliisifr to him from having been the scene of ane of his earliest Indian battles. 
He was a sincere neliever in iheChiistian religion, and a devout observer of the 
Presbyterian form of worship His framcwas sinewy and active; his habits 
were simple, temperate, anrl indnstriiuis. His characteristics were ' taciturnity 
and tiuth. prudence and decision, modesty and courage, disinterestedness and 
public S|)irit His letter to ilre author of ibis v\ork, which details the chief par- 
ticuldisol bis life, closes with stMitiments which harmonise Sv) peifectly with his 
character, that liiey form a suitable conclusion to a sketch of his life. ''At the 
sieges of Augusta and Ninety Six. at the battle of Eutaw, and in other services 
with ;ke army, yoM know whether I did my duty. And I leave it to my country 
to say whether I have been an luinible instrument in the hands of Providence lo 
its advantage. But wh.xever the public sentiment may be, I have a witness- 
within inysell that inj publ j life and conduct have been moved and actuated 
l)v an iirdeut seal for the welfare and happiness of my beloved country.'' — Erf. 



APPENDIX. 443 

Anthowt AVAtne wns hnrn in tliR j'pnr 171-5, in West Chester county, 
Permsylv.iiii.i, oC parents who wt^rc rfsijeTtiii)ie in (•Jiai'ic'ei rini) coiiHitioii. His 
giani'f.ither was a raptiiin under William III., at the battle of tlie Hoyn... In 
'73. he was a meniher of the piovmrial 1. gi;.] tturi? of Pennsylvania, .uitl as 
soon as the dispute heiwetn EnaUin'! and Aiiieiica cominenceH he took pait with 
the latter. In '75, lie coninicindrid a re<^iint-nt, served under iVinntiiomery, and 
waf wounded at the sicsie of Quehec. During the next year, he arted under 
Gates at Ticoiideioga, and wa? proninteil to the rank of brigiuiier. Hv w.isdis- 
tinguislied at ilie battles of Brandywine, Gerniantow n, and Moniiioutb. But 
his most shining ex(iloit was the storniiuj of Stony Point, w -ere he leeeivi-d a 
v/ounri in tlie head, and exhibited a live of glory far stron!;ei thin the love of 
life; for, snppos'ng his wound to be moital, he dfsireil lo be carried Ibiward 
that he might die iu tiie eneoiies works. Congress rewarded hiin by the vote of 
a gold nie»lal, in those days aji honour equal to a Konian triumph. He was se- 
cond to La Fayette in 1781, in his Virginia campaign, and boi-e a conspicuous 
part in the pe.iis and honours of the siege of York. After tlie sunrndei of that 
j)iace he was rietsciie.i with the I'ennsylvania line to join j^eneral (ireene, and 
under his orders complPte<l, as the reader has seen, ihe liberation of C>cirj;ia. 
Alter the war he served in congress, as a member of tlie House ol Representa- 
tives In 1792, he was selected by President Washington as commander in 
chief agiiiiist the western Indians, who, liaving deffiated 8t. Clair, had become 
formidable. His operations were conducted with great skill and prudence, and 
altei gaining a decisive victory ov-r their troops, he forced them to conclude a 
treaty of ])eace. in December, 179b. he died, leaving behind him the reputa- 
tion of having been one of the most distinguished and meritorious ofhctTs of the 
revolution. His person was robust ; his presence commanding ; his nirtnners 
graceful ; his temper frank, ti*'ry, and generous. His military conduct was 
cliaracierized p(Mhaps too much by a love o/ fighting; but fierce and (ormidable 
as he was in buttle, his excessive courage never destroye<' his self possession, 
nor obscured the excellent judgment which ne possessed, and had cultivated 
by much reading aud e.xpciience. — Ed. 



S.— Page 178. 

GENERAL GREENE'S OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE BATTLE OF GUILFORD, 
TO THE PKKSIDF.NT OF CONGRKSS. 

Camp ai the Iron JVorks, March 16, 1781. 
Sm : 

''On the lOth, I wrote to his excellency general Washington, from the High 
Rock lord, on the Haw river, (,a copy ol which I enclosed your excellency.) thiit 
I had eliected a junction witli the {untinenldl regiment ot eighteen months men, 
and two considerable bodies of militia, belonging to \ irfiinia hikI iNoitli Caro- 
lina. Alter this junction, I took the resnlution of attacking the enemy wiiliout 
loss ol time, and made the necessary oisposiiion accordingly, l)eii,g pfrsuaocd, 
ihat il we were guccetsful, it would i)rove ruinous to the enemy, and, if otherwise, 
It would only prove a jiartial evil to us. 

'I'he army marched from the High Rock ford on the I2ih, and on the Nth 
arrived at Guilford. The enemy lay at the Quaker meeiing-liouse, on Deep 
river, eignt miles from our camp. On the inomingol the 15th, our recoiinoi- 
triiig))ariy reported the enemy advancing on the great Salisbury r.-ad. The army 
was drawn up in three lines. The line was composed ol Aorth Ci^folina 
militia, under tlie command of generals IJutlei and Katon. File second lint of 
Virginia niiliiia, commanded by genenls Stevens and Lawstm, Itirming two 
brigades, one of Virginia, and one of .Vlarylaiul coiitiuent al troops,^ coinmaiided 
by general Huger and colonel Williams. Lieutenant colonel Washiiigton, with 



444 



APPENDIX. 



the drngoons of the first and third regimeiUg, a delachinent of light infantry^ 
coniposprl ot continental troops, and a regiment of ri/k'aie-', mulHr coUmel 
Lj'iich, formed a corps of ohservaiion fi>r tlie security' ot our right flank. Lieu- 
tenant colonel Lee, with his legion, a detachment of liglii inf.intry and a corps 
of rifli'men, under colonel Campbell, formed a corps of observation for the se- 
curity of our leit flank. 

The greater part ol this country is a wilderness, with a few cleared fields 
interspersed here and there. The army was drawn up on a large hill of ground, 
surrounded by other hills, the greatest part of whicti was covfied with timijer, 
and thick uiider-brnsh. The front line was posted with t^« o field pieces, just on 
the edge of the woods, and the back of a fence whicii ran parallel with the line, 
with an open field directly in their front. The second line was in the woods, 
about three hundred yaids in the rear of the first, and the coatineiHHl troops 
about four hundred yards in the rear of the second, with a double front, as the 
hilidiew to a point where they were posted; and on the right and left were 
two old fields. In this position we waited the approach of the enemy, having 
previously s< nt off the baggage to this place, apni.inted for our rendezvous in 
case of a defeat. Lieutenant colonel Lee, with his legion, his infantry, and 
part of his liflemen, met the ciiemy on their advHnce, and had a severe skirmi!'li 
with lieutenant colonel I'arleton, in which the enemy suffered greatly Captain 
Armstrong charged the British legion, and cut down near thiity of their dra- 
goons j but as the enemy reinforced their pariy, lieutenant colonel Lee was 
obliged to retire, and take his position in tlie line. 

The action commenced by ciumonade, which lasted about twenty minutes; 
when the enemy advanced in thiee columns: the Hessians on tlie riglit, tlio 
guards in the centre, and lieiiienHiit colonel Websier's brigade on the left. The 
whole moved through the old fit- Ids to attack the North Carolina brigades, who 
waited the attack until the enemy got within one hundred and tony yards., when 
p;irt of them began to fiie, but a considerable part lelt the ground without 
firing at all. Che general and field officers did all they could to induce the 
wn to stand their ground; but ntither the advantages ol the position, nor any 
other consideration could iiiri ice them to stay. General Stevens ant' general 
Lawson and the field officers of those brigades were more successful in their 
exertions. The Virginia militia gave the enemy a warm reception, and kept 
up a heavy fire for a long time ; but being heat back, the action became general 
almost every where. The corps ot obsei vation, under Washington "and Lee, 
were warmly engaged, and did great execution. In a uord, the engagement 
w s long .iiid sevee, and the enemy only gained their point by superior dis- 
cipline. 

lliey having broken the second .Maryland regiment and turned our left flank, 
got into the rear ot the Virginia brignde, and appearing to be gaining on our 
Tight, which would have en'ircled the wliole ot the continental troops, 1 thought 
it III ;s arivisahlff to order a retreat. About this time lieutenant colonel Wai»h- 
ington made a charge with the horse upon a part of the brigade of guiirds, and 
the first regiineni oj Marylanders, commanded by colonel Guiiby, and seconded 
by lieutenant colonel Howard, follow-d the horse with their bayonets; neai the 
-whole :'f the party fell a sacrifice. General Huger was the last that was enga- 
ged, and gave the enemy a check. We retreated in good orrier to the Reedy 
Fork river, and crossed at the lord, about three miles from the field of action, 
and then halted, and drew up the troops, until \ve collected most of the stiag-. 
glers. We lost our artillery, and two ainninnitiun wagons, the greater part of 
the liorses being killed before the retreat began, and it being impossible to move 
•the pieces but .ilong the great road. After collecting our straggleis, we retired 
to this camp, ten miles distant Irom Guillord. 

From the best informatiou I c;in get, the enemy's loss is very great ; not less, 
in killed and wounded, thijii six hundred men, besides some few prisoners that 
we brought off 

Incl'Si'd I .send youi excellency a return of our killed, wounded and missing- 
most o. the 1 ttHi have gont- home, as i* nut too cu-iomary » lili the militia alter 
a^n action. I cannot learn that the fiieiny has got any considerable numbtjr 



APPENDIX. 44§ 

•f prisoners. Our men are all in good spirits, and in perfect readiness for 
aniMfur field dny. 

i oiiiv lari'eiit the loss o( several valuable officers, who art- killed and wound- 
ed in the artion An.ong the latter aie general Sievens, shot through the thigh, 
and general Huger in the hand; and among the former is major Anderson, one 
of the Maryland line. 

The firmness of the offirers and soldiers, during the whole campaign, has 
been unpsrallelerl, Animst ihiiun)er.ihle difficulties they h-ive di^cove^ed a 
degree of m.ignanicnity and loriitude that will lorever add a lustre to tueir niill- 
taiy reputation." 



S— Page 178. 

Earl Cornwallit to lord George Germain. 

Guilford, March 17, 1781. 
Mt Lord: 

*' I hive the satisf.tction fo inform your lordship, that his majesty's troops 
bnder luy rommand obtaiu'^d a sii;n'dl victory on (he 15th instant, over the rebel 
army cointnande'' by getjeral (jreene. 

In pursuance of my intended plan, communicated to your lordship in my 
despatch No. 7, I had encamped on the 13th instant »,t the Quaker''s nieeting- 
houi-e, between the forks of Deep liver. On the 14th I received information 
that general Butler, with a body of North Carolina mili'ta, and the expected 
reinforcements f.oni Virginia, said to ronsisi of a Virginia state regiment, a 
corps of Virginia eighteen months men. three thousand Virginia militia and re- 
cruits ior the iViaryhuid line, had joined general Greene; and the whole ariiiy, 
which was reported to amount to nine or ten thousand men, was marching to 
attack the British troops. During the afternoon, intelligence was broiij:,ht, 
which was confirnieft in the night, that he had advanced that day to Guiliord, 
about twelve miles from our camp Being now persuaded that he had resolv- 
ed to Hazard an engngement, after detaching lieutenant colonel Hamilton with 
Our wagons and baggage, esci> ted by bis own regiment, a detachment of one 
hundred infamry and twenty ravalry, towards Bell's mill, on Deep river. I 
marclied with the re^t of the corps at day break O'.) the morning of the 13th, 
to meet the enemy, or attack them in their enci'.rapment. About four nnles 
from Guilford our advanced guard, commanded by lieutenant colonel Tarleiofk, 
fell ill with a corp^ of the enemy, consisting of Lee'- legion, some back niounr 
tain men and Virginia militia, which he attacked with his usual good conduct 
and Spirit, ;<nd defened ; and continuing our march, we found the rebel army 
ported on rising grounds, about a mile and a half from the court-house. 'I he 
pnsoneis taken by lieutenant colonel Tarleton having been sev<-r>il dv.ys with 
Ihe advanced corps, could give me no account of the enemy's older oi piiMiion, 
and the country people were extremely inaccurate in their description of the 
ground. Inimediitely between the head of the column and the enen.y's liiic 
was H considerable plantation; one large field of which was on our left of the 
Toad, and two others, with a wood of about two hundred yards broad, between 
them, on our right of it ; beyond these fields the wood continued for several 
niiles to our tight. The wood beyond the plantation in our front, in the skirt 
of which the enemy's first line was formed, was about a mile in t^epth, the road 
then leading to an extensive space of cleared ground about Guilford coart- 
hunse. The woods on our right and left were reported to be impracticable for 
our cannon; but as that on our right appeared the most open, I re.'plvcd to attack 
the left wtng of the enemy; :ind wiiilst mj disposition was making for that pur- 
pose, I ordered lieutenant M'Cleod to bring forward the guns and cannonade 
their centre. 



APPENDIX. 

TliP attack was directed to be made in the following order. On the right tiie 
regiment of B se and the seveiity-lirsi refjimeiit, led by nidjor genera) Leslie, 
and supported by the liist battalion of gii;tids ; on the l.'ft, the twenty-third rinil 
thirty-third regiments, led by lieutenant colonel Webster, dud supported by the 
grenadiers and second baitalion of guards, coinniaaded by brii-adicr O'Hrira; 
the yagers and lij^ht infdntry of the guards remained in the wood on the left of 
the guns, nnd the ravHlvy in the road, reafly to act as nircumstHiires ntight re- 
quire. Our preparatiD:;s being niade, ilie action began at about half an hour 
past one in the afternn(m. >3ajor general Leslie, alter being obliaedj by tite 
great extent of the enemy's line, to biiiig up the first batt^ilion of guards to the 
right of the leginient of Bose, soon rie(eate<l eveiy thing before liiin ; lieutenant 
colonel Webster having: joined the left of nisjor jjenrTMl Leslie's division, was 
no less successful in his front ; when, on finding llixt the lelt of the thirly-diird 
was exposed to a heavy fire fioni the right wing of the enemy, he changed his 
Jront to the left; and, being suppoited by the yagers and lij;ht infantry of the 
guards, attacked and routed it ; the gieoadiers and second battalion of the 
e.uards moving forward to occupy the ground left vacant by the movement of 
lieutenant colonel Webster. 

All the infantry being now in the line, lieutenant colonel Taileton liad rtirec- 
tiotis to keep his cavalry coinpari, and not lo charge without positive orders, 
except to protect any of the coips from the most evident danger of being de- 
feated. The excessive thickii<'ss of the wonrls rendered our bayonets of little 
use, and enabled the broken enemy to make frequent stands, with an i Tegular fire, 
whieii PCMfioiiefi some lop", find to .several of the corps great delay, particu- 
larly on oiirriglif, wheie the first battalion of the go.-nis and legi.Tient ol liose 
^vcre warmly engaged in front, flank, and rear, with some of the enemy that 
Iiarl been routed on the first attack, and with part of tlie extiemity ol iheii 
left v'inj:, which, by the closeness of the woods, had been passeii unbioken, 
7'he seventy-firsi regiment, and grenadiers, and second battalion of the guards, 
not knowing what was passing on ihsir right, and hearing the fire advance on 
their left, continued to move foiward,- the arnllery keeping pace with th<»in on 
the road, followed by the cavahy. The secomt baitaLon ot guards first gained 
the rle«r ground near (luilford court-house, and found a coipsof continental 
infantry, much superior in number, fornied in the piien field on the lelt of t4ie 
load. Glowing with Impatience to signalize themselves, they instantly altacKcd 
and defeated them, taking two six ii'iiindeis : but pursuing into the wood witii 
too much aidour, were thrown into confusion by a heavy fire, and immediately 
charged and oiiven back into the fiehl by lieutenant colonel Washington's dra- 
eoons, with the loss of the six pounders they had taken. The enemy's cavaliy was 
soon rejHilsed by a well directed fire froir two three plunders, just brought iip 
b}* lieutenant M'Cleod, and by the appearance ot the grenadiers, of the guards, 
nnd the sevpoty-first regiment, which, having been impeded by some deep ra- 
vines, were now coming out of the wood on the right ol the guards opposite to 
the court-house. I'v the spirited exertions of brigadier general O'flara, though 
wounded, the second battnlion of the guarrls was soon rallied, and, suppoited 
bv the grenadiers, returned to the chaige with the gieatesl alacrity. 'Ihe twen- 
tv-lhird regiment arriv.ng at that instant from our left, and lieutenant colonel 
Tarleton h iving advanced with part of the cavalry, the enemy were soon put 
to fiigbl, and tin; two six pounders once mure lell into our hands; two aiiununi- 
tion wiigons, and two other six pounders, being all (he artillery they had in tlie 
field, were likewise taken About tins time, the tiiii ty-third regiment and light 
inliintry of the giiarils, alter overcoming niiiiy difficulties, completely routed me 
coips which was ripposetl to iliem, aiiri put an end to the action in this quarter. 
'i'he twenty-third and seventy-first regiments, with part of the civalry, were or- 
flered to pursue; the remainder of the cavalry was detached with lieutenant 
colonel Tarleton to our right, where a heavy fire still continued, and wiiere his 
cippearaiK-e and spiiited nttack contributed much to a speedy termination of the 
action. 'J'he iniluia with which our right wing had been engaged, disp.'rsed in 
the V. oods ; the cominenials went ol! by the iieedv ['"oik, beyond which it v\as 
not ill my power to fulluw thfin, as their cavalry had suffered but lilile. Our 



APPENDIX; 



447 



iVoops were excessively fntigiied by an action which lasteii on hour and a hiilf, 
and our woujiiled dispcised over an extensive space of country, required imme- 
diate attention The care of dut wounded, and liie total want of provi- 
sions in an exhausted rountiy, made it e(iuiilly iiii|)i>s.sil)le forme to iollow the 
blow the next day. Tiie enemy di<l not stop until iliey got to the iion works on 
IVoublesom? creek, ei^iiieen miles from the licld of battle. 

from our observation and the best accounts we could procure, we did not 
doubt but the strength of the enemy exceeded seven thousand men; their mili- 
tia composed their line, wiili parlies advanced to the rails of the field in tiieic'^ 
front ; the continentals were posted obliquely in the rear of their right winp;. 
Tiieir cannon fired on us whilst we were forming from the centre of the line 
of militia, but were nitlidrawu to the coutintMit.ils before the aitaiik 

[ have the honour to inclose to your loid;hip the libt of our itilled and wound- 
ed. Captain Schuiz's wound is supposed to be mortal; but the suignons as- 
sure me that none of the other officers are in danger ; and that a great number' 
of the men will soon recover. 1 cannot ascertain the loss of tlie enemy, but it 
must have been consiflerahle ; belween two and three huiu'red dead were left 
upon the field ; many of ttieir wounded that were able to move, whilst we yi'ero 
employed in the care of our ovini, escaped and (oliowed tiie routed enen.y ; and 
our canlo, drivers, and forage paitief, have repuited to me that the houses, in a 
ciicle of six ot eigltt miles around us, are lull of others. Those that remained 
we have taken the best care of in our pov\er. We tool; fi>vv prisuncis, ow'ug to 
the txcessive thickness of the wood facilitating tlieir escape, and every man of 
our army being repeatedly wanted for action. 

Tlie conduct and actions of the oflicer' and soldiers that compose this little 
prmy will do more justice to their niei it than 1 can by words. Their persever- 
ing intrepirlity in ai tinn, their invincible patience in the hardships and fatigues 
of a inarch of ab"ve six hundred miles, in which they have forded several lnr-'e 
rive.'-s and numberless creeks, many of which would be reckoned large rivers in 
any oilier country m the world, without tents or covering against the climate 
and often without provisions, will sutficiently mani.'est their ardent zeal for the 
honour and interest of their sovereign and their country. 

I have been particularly indebted to major general Leslie for his gallantry 
and exertion in the action, as well as his assistance in every other part ol tlie 
service. Tlia '.ceal and sj)!nt of biigadier general O'Hara merit my highest 
commendations; for after receiving two dangerous wounds, he continued in 
the fi'fld whilst the action lasted; by Jiis earnest attention on all other occa- 
sions, secondeil by the (dLccrs and soldiers of bis brigade, His majc-ly's »uaids 
are no less distingnislied b}' their order and discipline than by their spirit and 
valour. 

The Hessian reglnieut of Bose deserves my warmest praises for its discipline, 
alacrity and courage, and docs honour to major du Buy, who comniands it, and 
who is an officer of su,--Mior merit I am much obliged to brigadier genern' 
Howard, who served as a voluuteer, for liis spirited example on all occasions. 

Lieutenant colonel VVehster conducted his brigade like an ofnoer of experi- 
ence and gallantly. Lieutenant colonel Tarleton's good conduct and spirit 
in the management of his cavalry, were conspicuous duri:ig tlie whole action; 
and lieutenant M'Cleod, who commanded the Httiliery, proved himself upon 
this, as well as all former occasions, a most capable and deserving officer. 

'I'iifc attention and exertions of my uid-de-camps, and of all the other ijublic 
oflicers of the army, contributed very miicii to the success of the day. 

1 have constantly received the niosi zealous astistauce fiom governor Martin 
diiring my command in the soutiiern distrii-t : noping that his presence would 
tend to inciti' the loyal suhjeris of this |jrovii!ce to take an aciivo pan vv-itli us 
he has checrlnUy submittsd to the fatigues and dangers of our Campaign; but 
his delicate constitution has suffered by his public spirit ; far, by the advice 
of the physicians, he is now obliged to return to England for the recovery of. 
his health. 

This ^tart'of tJie country is so totaUy destitute of subsistence, that fotace li 



44S 



APPENDIX. 



not nearer tlian nine miles, and the soldiers have been two dajri without bread. 
I shall, therefore, leave about seventy ot the worst of the wounieW cases ai the 
New Garden quaker meetinghouse with proper assistance, and move ttte re- 
mainder with the army to-morrow moiiiiug lo Bell's mill. 1 hope our friends 
■will heartily take an active pait with us, to which I shall contmue to encou- 
rage them ; still appruaching our shipping by easy marches, that we may pro- 
cure the necessary supplies for further operations, and lodge our sick and 
wounded where proper attention can be paid to them. 

This despatch will be delivered to your lordship by my aid-de-camp, c.-tptain 
Brodrick, w:ni is a very promising offii;rr, and whom I beg leave to recoi;i» 
rncnd to your lordshij;)'& coujiteaance aud favour, Jcc.'' 



Q,— Page 338. 

Headquarters^ Martin's Tavern, near Ferguson's Swamp, South Carolina^ 
September 11, 1781. 

Sir: 

In my last despatch «f the 25th of August I informed your evcellency that we 
were on our inarch for Fryddy's ferry, to form a junction with the Hate tioops, 
and a body of militia, collecting at that place, with an intention to make an 
attack upon the British army laying at colonel Thompson's, near M 'Chord's 
ferry. On the 2'?th, on our atrival near Fryday's ferry, I got intelligence that 
the enemy were retiring. 

We crossed the river at Howell's feriy, and took post at Motte's plantation. 
Heie I ^ot intelligence that the enemy had halted at the Eutaw Spiings, about 
forty miles below us; and that tnty had a reinforcement, and were making pre» 
paiations to establish a permanent post there. To prevent this, I was deter- 
rnined rather to haz-ir'l an action, notwithstanding our numbers were greatly 
interior to theirs On the 5th we began our march, our baggage and stores 
having been ordered to Howell's ferry under a proper guard. We moved by 
slow and easy marches, as well to di>guise our real intention, as to give gene- 
ral Marion an opportunity to join us, who had been dttacheil for the support of 
colonel Harden, a report of which I transmitted iu my letter of the 6ih, date* 
Maybrick's creek. General Marion joined us on the evening of the 7th, at IJur- 
dell's plantation, seven miles from the enemy's camp. 

We made the following disposition, and marched at four o'clock the ne.xl 
morning to attack the enemy. Our front line was composed of four small bat- 
talions of militia, two of Worth and two of South Carolinians : one of the South 
Carolinians was under the immediate command of general Marion, and was 
posted on the right, who also commanded the front line . the two North Caro- 
lina battalions, under the command of colonel Malmady, were posted in the 
centre ; and the other South Carolina battalion, under the command of general 
Pickens, was posted on the left Oui second line consisted of three small bri- 
gades of continental troops, — one. from North Carolina, one from Virginia, and 
one from Maryland. The !Voyh Caroliniaus were formedinto three battalions, 
under the command of lieutenant colonel Ash, majors Armstrong and Blount; 
the whole commanded by general •'umner. and posted upon the right. The Vir- 
ginians consisted of two battalions, commindefl by major Snead and captain. 
Edmonds, and the whole by lieutenrint colonel Campbell, and posted in the 
centre. The Marylanders also consisted of two battalions, commanderl bj' 
lieutenant colonel Howard and major Hardman, and the biigade Oy colonel 
Williams, deputy adjutant geneihl to the army, and were posted upon the left. 
Xieutenant colonel Lee with his legion corered our right flank ; and lieutenant 



APPENDIX. 



443 



colonel Ilen'lprsoii with tliR state troops, commandetl by lieutenant coloncU 
Hfin.ptKn, iVl|!!dlcioii, and PoU, our left Lieuteo .iit clouel VVasi.M^ton witii 
his horse, and UU' Dd.twave troops ini'lp.r ciipUiiu Kirkwoo^l, fonnei! a <.orps dn 
reserve. Two throe pounders under Laptain lieutenant Gaines adv<inced with 
the front line, «ncl two sixes under capt-iin Browne with the second. 

'i'hc iei^ioii and state Iro.iiis lorrned oui advance, and wte to retire upon the 
flunks upon the enemy's formins;. In this order w' moved on to the attack. 
The leftioii and state t.oops fell in with a pa.ty of the enemy's horse »'-id foot, 
aooui lour milfh from Deir camp, who, mistakinjj our pt'cple for ;i pa ty of 
militia, charge^, tlieni biiskly. lint weie soon ronvincei of liieir mistake i\y the 
lece.'ition Ihe.y met with. ( h- inrintry of th-r siate l^cl<)p^ kept up a h- avy fire, 
aiul the legion in lion', uikI'M cipiain Rudolph, charged them with fixe 1 bayo- 
nets: th.^y flt-d on all m'Ics, |.m\ mg four or five dead on the aioiind. .i idb?veral 
more woundel. As this v.-a. supposed t-o be the advance (if the Biitisii army, 
our Ifont iiiie was ordered to form and move O'l briskly in line, the legi'>i' and 
state troops ii. 'ake th-;ir po>itioii upon the flanks. All the country is c )"erei 
with limoer from the pi ire the a-'tion hc^an to the Cutaw Sprin;>s. 'i'he firing 
began ..gain between two and three miles from th.= British camp The imlitia 
were ordered to keep advancing as they fired. The enemy's advanced partiea 
Wrre soon driven in, anda most tremendous fire began on b')tt' sides f;nn risiht 
to led, -.uid the legion and state troops weie closely engaged, Geneial •l.junn, 
colonel Mulmedy and general Pickens conducted the troops with gre.il gtii-iniry 
and good condi.ct ; aiKl the militia fought with a degree of spirit and fii or.es3 
thal'.;flects the highest honour upon th it cla;^ of soldiers B-i. the eue.i.y'i 
fire being greatly snpeiioi to ours. ,\,td continuing to advance, the militid b-gan 
to give gn.unri. The North ijarolioa brigade, under general Sumne. w-^s or- 
dered up to their support. These were all new levies, and h'^d been muter 
djs.ipline but litiie ro..re than a month ; notwithstanding which they fought with 
a degree of ohstinac-- that would doh»..oui to the best of veterans; and 1 .;o ,ld 
hardly tell which to admire ra.).=t, the gallantry of th? fficers or the bravny of 
the troops. They kept up a heavy nnd well directed fire and the ebemy re- 
turned it with equul spirit, (or they re illy fought worthy of a better cause, 
and groat execution was d.>ne on both sides. In thn stage of the action, tha 
Vnoinian'^ under lieutenant colonel Campbell, and the Marylanders under c. lo- 
nel^Villiam-, were led on to a bri.k charge, with trailed arms, through a he.ivy 
cann nade and a sliower of musket balls. .Nothing could exceed the gallai.iry 
and firmness of both rfficrrs and soldiers upon this occasion. Tliey prese.vej 
their order, and pressed on with such un-hnken res.dution that they horc d..wn 
aU before them. Vhe enemy were routed in all quarters. L.eutenani colonel 
L-e had, with great address, gallantly, and good conduct, turned the ene,i.y's 
left flank, and was ch^trging them in rear at the same time the Viiijinia and 
M \rviand troops were charging them in front. A most valuable officer, lieutenant 
colonel Henderson, got wounded early in the action; and lieutenant oolonel 
Himpio-i, who commanded the state cavalry, and who fortunately suc- 
ceeded lieutenant colonel flenderson in conmiand, chnrged a party o- the- onewy, 
and took upwards of one hundred prisoners. Lieuieoanr. colonel Washington 
brouiiht ut) the corps de '-e-serve upon the left, where the enemy seeme^l disp^.sed 
to make (mUier resistance; and charged them so b,i>kly with the cavalry and 
cam.iio Knkwond's inlantry, as -ave them no time to rally m term. Li utenant. 
colonels Polk and Middleton, who conm.anded the state infanfy, were no lest 
conspicuous lor their good conduct than their intrepidity ; and the troops under 
their command gave a specimen of what may be expected trom men, naturally 
brave, when improved by proper discipline. Captain lieutenant Ga.ne- ^v uo 
coa.,nanded the three pounders with the fiont line, did great execution um^.1 ..is 
nieces were disrionuted. We kept close at the enemy s heels alter they b...ke, 
until we got into their camp, and a great number of prisoners were continually 
falling into on, h.nds, and some hundreds o! t.he lug.t.ves ran off towards 
Charlestnn. But a party threw themselves mtr; a large three story brKk hoiise, 
which st.inds near the spring ; othe 8 to.k p..-t in n p. queted garden, wli.le 
others were lodged in an impenetrable thicket, consisting of a ciagged shiub, 
57 * 



456 APPENDIX. 

callptl a black jack. ThUR gpeured in front, and upon the rigbl by the hou?« 
and a rlepp ravine, upon the left by the pirqueted garden and in the impenetra- 
ble shrubs, and the rear also being secured hy the springs and detp hollow ways, 
the enemy renewed the action. Every exertion was made to dislodge them. 
Ijieutenant colonel Washington made most astonishing efforts to get through tho 
thicket to charge the enemy in the rear ; but found it imprncticable, had his 
horse shot under him, and was wounded and taken prisoner. Four six pounder* 
were ordered up before tlie house — two of our own, and two of the enemy's, 
which they had abandoned — and they were pushed on so much under the com* 
niand of the fire from the house and the party in tha thicket, as rendered it im- 
practicable to bring them off again when the troops were ordered to retiic, 
Wever were pieces better seived ; most of the men and officers were either killed 
or wounded, Washington failing in his charge upon the left, and the legion 
baffled in -an attempt upon the right, and finding our infantry galled by the fire 
of the enemy, and our ammunition mostly consumed, though both (fficers and 
men continued to exhibit uncommon acts of heroism, I thought proper to retire 
out of the fire of the house, and draw up the troops at a little distaitce in the 
woods ; not thinking it .idvisable to push our advantages fuiiher, being persuad- 
ed the enemy could not hold the post many houts, and that our chance to attack 
them on the retreat was better than a second attempt to dislodge them, in which, 
if we succeeded, it must be attended with considerable loss. 

We collected all our won uled, except such as were under the command of the 
fire of the house, and retired to the ground, from which we marched in the 
morning, there being no water nearer, and the troops ready to faint with the 
hr-at, and wiint of refreshment, the action having continued near four hours. I 
left on the field of action a strong picquet, and early in the morning detached 
general Marion and lieutenant colonel Lee with the legion horse between Eu- 
taw and Charleston, to prevent any reinforcements from coining to the relief 
Oi the enemy ; and also to retard their march, should they attenipt to retire, and 
gne lime to the army to fall upon their rear and put a finishing stroke to our 
successes. We left two pieces of our artillery in the hands of the enemy, and 
brought ofif one of theirs On the evening of the 9lh, the enemy retired, leaving 
upwards of seventy of theit wounded behind thent, and not less than one thou- 
S'lnd stand of arms that were picked up on the field, and found broke and con- 
cealed in the Eutaw Springs. I hey stove between twenty and thirty pnncJieons 
of rum, and destroyed a great variety of other stores, wliich they had not car- 
riages to carry oft". We pursued them the moment we got ints-jligence ot ti.eir 
vetiiinsf. But they formed a junction with major M'Arthur at this place, gene- 
ral Marion and lieutenant colonel Lee not having a force sufficMut to prevent it : 
but on our approach they retired to the neighbourhood of Chinleston. We have 
•taken five hundred prisoneis, including the wounded the enemy left behind ; and 
1 think th'iy cannot have suffered less than six hundred more in killed and wound- 
ed Tlie fugitives that fled from the field of battle spread such an alarm that 
the enemy burnt their stores at Dorchester, and abandoned the post at Fair 
Lawn ; and a great numhir of negroes and others were employed in felling 
trees acrotis tho loaH for some miles without the gates of Charleston. Noticing 
but the brick house, and the peculiar strength of the position at Euraw, saved 
the remains of 'he British army from being all made prisoners. 

We pursued thein as far as this place; but not being able to overtake them, 
we shall halt a day or two to refresh, and then take our old position on the High 
H'lls of Santee. I think myself principally indebted for the victory we obtained 
to the free use of the bayonet made by the Virginians and Marylandeis, the in- 
fantry of the legion, and captain Kirkwood's light infantry : and though few ar- 
mirs everexhibited equal bravery with ours in general, yet the conduct and intre- 
pidity of th'^se CO VIS were peculiarly conspicuous. Lieutenant colonel Campbell 
fell as he was leading his troops to the charge, and though he fell with distin- 
guished marki, of honour, yet his loss is much to be regretted : he was the great 
sol'Sier and the firm patriot. 

Our loss m officers is considerable, more from their value than their number; 
■for never did either men or officers oflcr their blood more vrillingly in the service 



APPENDIX. 45j[ 

uf their country. I caniioi help acknowledging my obligations to colonel VV 11- 
liunts lot his griMt activity on this and many other occasions in forming the 
army, and lor his uncommon iiiuepidity ia learimgon the Maryland troops to the 
fliarge, which exccedfd any thing i ever saw. 1 also feel myself greatly indebt- 
ed to captains Pierce and I'endleton, major Hyrnc and captain Shubiick, my 
uids-dc-camp, for their activity and good- conduct throughout the whole of the 
a':tion. 

Tiiis despatch will be handod to your excelle«cv by captain Pierce, to whom 
I beg leave to refer you for further particulars. 

1 have the honour to, &c. 

NATH. GREENE. 
His I'xcellency the President of Congress. 



Q — Page 338. 

Extract of a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Stewart to Earl Cornwalli$. 

Eulaw, September 9th, I78l. 
With particular satisfaction I have the honour to inform your lordship that, 
on the (>ih instant, I was attacked by the rebel general Greene with all the 
force he could collect in tliis province and North Carolina ; and after an obstin- 
ate engagement, which lasted near two hours, I totally defeated him, and took 
two six pounders. Soon alter 1 had the honour of writing your lordship from 
Thompson's, 1 received inforniatiun of Greene's having moved with the rebel ai- 
my towards Camden, and crossed the Wateree at that place, and, from the best 
intelligence I could collect, was on his march to Fryday's ferry, on the Oonga- 
ree. The army under my command being much in want of necessarief, and 
there being at the same time a convoy with provisions on their march from 
Charleston, which would necessarily have obliged me to make a detachment of 
at least four hundred men — which at that time I could ill afford, the army being 
much weakened by sickness — to meet the convoy at Martin's, fifty-six miles 
from the camp. The distance being so great, a smaller escort was liable to 
fall by the enemy's cavalry, which are very numerous. I therefore thought it 
advisable to retire by slow marches to the Eutaws, where I mignt have an op» 
portunity of receiving my supplies, and disencumber myself from the sick, with- 
out risking any escorts, or suffer myself to be attacked at a disadvantage, should 
the enemy have crossed the Congaree. Notwithstanding every exertion having 
been made to gain intelligence of the enemy's s;tuation, they rendered it impos- 
sible by way-laying the by-paths and passes through the different swamps, and 
even detained different flags of truce which 1 had sent on public business on both 
sides. About six o'clock in the morning I received intelligence by two deser- 
ters, who left general Greene's camp the preceding evening about seven miles 
from tliis place; and from their report the rebel army consisted of near four 
thousand men and four pieces of cannon. In the mean time I received intelli- 
gence by major Coffin, whom I had previously detached with ene hundred and 
forty infantry and fifty cavalry, in order to gain intelligence of the enemy, that 
they appeared in force in his fioiit, then about four miles from my camp. Find- 
ing the enemy in force so near me, I detcnniiied to fight them ; as from their 
numerous cavalry a retreat seemed to me to be attended with dangerous conse- 
finences. I immediately formed the line of battle, with the right of the army to 
Eutaw's branch, and its left crossing tlie road leading to Roche's plantation, 
leaving a corps on a comnsanding situation to cover the Charleston road, and to 
act occasionally as a reserve. About nine o'clock the action began on the right, 
and soon after became general. Knowing that the enemy were much superior 
in numbers, and at the same time finding tliat they attacked with their militia 
in fioiit, induced me not to niter my jjosition, unless I saw a certain advantage :o 
be gained by it; for by movinc; forwards I exposed tiolh flanks of the army to 
the enemy's cavalry, which I saw ready formed to take that advantage, particti- 
'arly on the left, which obliged me to move the reserve (o support jt. 



452 



APPENDIX. 



Rv -n unknown mistake the loft of the line advancer! and tkove their militia 
and Nort!) i.aroliii'Hus before them; but utiex(iecie(ily finding tiie Vi:j>ii>ia ■iod 
IVi. I v! ill iines ready tonned, and at the saiTu- lime reciving a heavy fire, oc- 
cas orui! some coufusioa. It was, the.efore, necessary to retire a litile distance 
to -1'. 'I" 11 field, in ovciei to form ; whicli wis instntiily done, under rover of a 
hi^avy, v\el' direrte Urs from a detachMient of New York volunteers, under the 
coi; nia.iii i.if inrijor ^llell(1an, whom 1 had j^reviouslv oiiiered to take post in the 
bousfl to check the i^nemj, should they attempt t'> pass it. The action was re- 
newed with great spirit ; but I was sorry to fiuil that a thiee pounder, posted on 
the ro^d leadiuif to Roche's, had been dif.i»bled, and couid not be brought off 
when the left of the line retired. The right winu of the army being rompoied of 
the flank batt.ilioii, under the conmiaiid of major iVJajoribank.^, h:iving lepulsed 
an! i.ve every thing tlat attacked them, maile a rnpid move to the led, and 
attacked the enemy in flank; upon whicli they gave way in all quarters, leaving 
behind ihein tvio bras* six pounders, and ujuviud-. of two hundred killed on the 
field of iiction, and sixty taken prisoners, among whom is colonel \^' iishington, 
aij<:, fiom every other inforniition, about eight hundred wounded, although they 
contrived to cany them off during the action. The i-nemy retired with great 
prer-pitation to a strong situation about tevcn miles from the field of action, 
JeaviCig their cavalry to cover their .'■etieat. The {^iory of the day would have 
been nu)re complete, had not the want of cavalry pievented my taking the ad- 
vantage which the gallantiv of my infantry threw in m}' way. 

I oni'tted to infoini youi lotdsliip in its proper place ot the arniy's having for 
souht tinie been much in u ant of bi ead, there being no old corn or mills near me 
I was, thi*relore, under the necessity of sending out rooting parties from each 
coipj. under an officer, to collect potatoes every moining at day-break; and 
unfoi tniii^lely that of the flank battalion and buff's, having gone too far in front, 
fell iiuo the enemy's haiids before the action began ; which not only weakened 
my lines, but increased tiuir number of prisoners 

Since the action, our lime his been employed in taking care of the wounded ; 
and. finding that the enemy have no intention to make a second attack, I have 
det'-nriined to cover the wounded as far as Monk's Corner with the army. My 
particular thanks are riu;: lieutenant colnnel Ciuger, who commanded the front 
line, for his c(Miduct and gallantry during the action; and lieutenant colonel 
Allen, majors Dawson, Stewart, Sheridan and Coflin, and to captains Kelly 
and i. amphell, commanding the dillVrint corps and detachir.ents ; and every 
other officer and soldier fulfilled the separate duties ot tlieir stations with great 
g.rllintfy. But to luajor Majminanks, and the flank battalion under his com- 
mand, I think the hunour of the day is lireatly due. My warmest praise is due 
to c.i( tain Barry, deputy adjutant general, nirijnr brigade Coxon, lieutenant Ran- 
ken, assistant quaiter master general, and to acting major of brigade Roebuck, 
for the gieai asbistauce rendered me during the ilay. 

-1 nope, iny lord, when it is ir.nsideie i that such a handful of men, attacked 
by the united force of generals Greeiu-, Sumter, Marion, Sumner and Pickens, 
and the legions of colonel? Lee and VVabhingt'in, driving them from the fii-ld of 
battle, and taking the only two six pounders they hid, deserve some merit In- 
closed is the return of the killed, wounded and mifsinu; of his majesty's troops. 
From the number ol corps and detaclimeiits, which appear to have been eni;ag- 
ed, i» .-n^y be supposed our force is great; but your lo dshtp will please to ob- 
serve, that the army was much reduced by sickness and otherwise. I hope your 
lonlship will excuse any inaccuracy that may be in this letter, as 1 have been a 
good deal indisposed by awnund which I received in my left elbow, which, 
though slight, from its situation is troublesome. It will give me most singular 
pleas-ure if my conduct meets with the approbation of his majesty, that of jour 
lordship, and my country. 

Return of Killed, Wounded, and M;<sing. 

3 commissioned officers; 6 sergeants; 1 drummer; 75 rank and file, killed. 

16 ditto. 20 'itto. 2 ditto. 3l3 ditto. wounded. 

10 ditto. IS- ditto. 8 ditto, 224 ditto. missing. 



APPENDIX. 463 

R.— Page 326. 

Head Quarters at /fonlmorenei, on the River Si. Lawrence, September 2d, 

1759. 
Sir: 

*' I wish I cnuld, upon this occasion, have the honour of transmitin^ to you 
a more iavourablt- account of his m;:jesty''s arms ; but tho obstn'ies we have met 
vriih, ill tlie opeialions cf the c.iinpaign, ar-e iiuirh greater than we had reason 
to expect, or coul'l foresee ; not so much fior.i the number of the enemy, (though 
superior to us,) as (rum the natural strength of the country, which the Marquis 
<ie Moiitcalm seems wisely to depend upon. 

When I learned that succours of all kinds had been thrown into Quebec; 
that five battalions of regular troops, completed from the bes-t of tlie inhabi- 
tants of the country, some* o<" the troops (jf the colony, and every Canadian 
that was able to bear arrcs, besiries several nations of sav ige.';, had taken the 
field in a very advantageous situation ; I coulrl not flatter mysel), that I should 
be able to redur^' the place. 1 sought, however, an occasion to attack their 
army, knowing well, that with these troops, 1 was able to fight, and liopiii.i; that 
a victoiy ipij;iit disperse them. 

We found them encamped along the shore of Beauport, from the river St. 
Charlies to the falls of Montm >renci, and intrenched in eveiy accessible p'tUt. 
The 27 ih June we landed u|)on thi; isle of Oileans ; but receiving a returning mes- 
sage from the admiral, that theie was reason to think the enemy had artiller)', 
and a force upon the point of Levi, I detached brigadier Moncktcii, with four 
bnitalion-, to drive them from thence. He passed the river the '29th, at night, 
and marched the next day to the point; he obliged the enemy's inegulais to re- 
liic, and possessed himself of that post: the anl^anced parties, upon this occa- 
sion, had two or three skirmishes with the Canadians and Indians, with little 
loss on either side. 

Colon 1 Carleton marched with a dRtachm»!nt to the westeramost of the isle 
ol Orleans, from whence our operations were likely to bej;iii. 

It was absolutely necessary to possess these two points, and fortify them ; 
because from either the one or the other, the eiiemy might make it impossible 
for any shiy to lie in the bason of Quebec, or even within two miles of it 

Batteries of cannon aiid mortars were erected, with great despatch, on the 
point of Levi, to bombard the town and magazines, and lo injure the works 
airc^ batteries. The enemy perceiving these works in so.ne forwardness, pas^e(l 
the river with 1600 men, to attack and destroy them. Unluckily they fell into 
confusion, fired upim one another, and went back again , by which we lost an 
opportunity of defeating this large fletachment. The effect ol this artillery has 
been so great, (.though across toe river,) that the upper town is considerably 
damaged, and the lower town entirely destroyed. 

The works for the seciiiity of our hosprtils and stores, on the isle of Oriertns 
being finished, on the 9th of July, at night, we passed the jNonh Channel, arid 
encamped near the enemy's left, the Montmoivnci between us. The next 
jnorning captain Dank's company of rangers, posted in a wood to cover some 
workmen, were attacked and ilef-'atcd by a body of In-lians, and had so many 
killed and wounded, as to be almost disabled for the rest of the campaign. The 
enemy also suffered in this affair, and were in their turn driven oft' by the nearest 
troops 

The ground to the e.nstwartl of the falls seemed to be, (as it really is,) hi«her 
than that on the enemy's side, and to command it in a manner which iniglu be 
useful to us. There is besides, a ford below the falls, which may be pa.ssed f ,r some 
hours in the latter part of the ebb, and beginning of the flood tide; and I had 
hopes, that possibly means might be lound of passing the river above, so as 
to fight the marquis de Montcalm, upon <erms ol less disadvantage than di- 
recily attacking his entrenchments In reconnoitring theriier iMontmorenci 
we found it fordable at a place about three miles up; but the opposite bank 
was cntreDched, and so steep and woody, that it was to no purpose to at 



454 



APPENDIX. 



tempt a passage there. The escort was twice attacked by tlie IndiAns, who 
weie as often lepulseii; but in these leiicouiUeiti, we iiad forty (oliiceis and 
men) killed and wounded. 

The lijih of July, t'\o men of war, two armed sloops, and two transports 
with some troops on board, passed b}' tlie town without any loss, and got 
into the upper river. This enabled me to reconnoitre the country above, 
where I found the same attention on ine enemy's side, ai.d great difficulties 
on ours, Hiising Irom the nature of tlie. {ground and the obstacles to our coui* 
rnunication with the fleet. But what 1 feared most was, that ii we should 
land between the town and the ri'^ir, capiaui Rouge, the bod}' first landed, 
could nut be reinforced before they weie aildclved by liie enemy's wliule army. 

Notwithstanding these difficiillii^s, I thought once of atteiiipling it at St, 
Michael's, about three niilei above the town; but perceiving that the enemy 
were jealous of the design, were preparing against it, and iiad actually hrougiit 
artillery and a mortar, (which being so near to Quebec, lh«y could increase as 
they pleasod,) to play upon the shipping; and as it must have been many 
hours before we could attack them, tveii supposing a favourable night for the 
bo. its to pass by tlie town unhuri, it seemed so hazardous, thai I thought it best 
to desist. 

However, to divide the enemy's force, and to druv/ their attention as high up 
the river as possible, and to procure some intelligencu, i sent a detachment un- 
der the comiiKHid of colonel (Jarltiion, to land at t!r.; poiiu de Treinpe, to attack 
whatever he might find there, bring off some piisoiiurs, and all the useful papers 
be could gut. i had been informed, liiat a number of the inhabitants ol Quebec 
tiad letired to that place, and that probably we choald find a magazine of pro- 
visions theic. 

The colonel was fired upon, by a body of Indians, the moment he landed, 
lull tliL-y were soon ilispersed, and driven into tiie woods; he searched for nia- 
uazines, Ijut to no purpose, brought off some prisoners, aiui returned with lit- 
tle loss. 

After this business, I came bick to Montmorenci, where I found ihat briga- 
I'.ier Townshend had, by s buperior liie, jirevenled the I'rench Irom erecting a 
battery on the bank of the river, from whence they intended to (annonade our 
camp. 1 now resolved to lake the first opportunity which presented itsilf, of 
attacking the enemy, though posted to great advantage, and every where pre- 
pared to receive us. 

As the men of w ar cannot, (for want of a suflicient depth of water.) come near 
enough to the enemy's eiitrenr.hments, to annoy them in the least, the admiral 
jiad prepared two tiansports (drawing but little water,) which, upon occasions,, 
could be run aground, to f.ivour a descent. With the help of tliese vessels, wdiich 
I understood would be canied by the tide close in ihore, I proposed to make 
myself master ol' a dt:tache<i redoubt, near to the water's edge, and whose 
situation appeared to be out of musket shot of the entrenchment upon the hill, 
if the enemy supported this detached piece, it would necessarily bring on an 
en"a"emeni, wliai we i«o.<t wished for; and if not, 1 should have it :n my 
oower to examine their situation, so as to be able to determine where we 
could b'jst attack them. 

Preparations were accordingly made for an engagment. Tiie 3lst of July in 
the forenoon, the boats of the fleet wcie fille'i wiili y^ieiiadmrs, and a part of 
brigadier Monckton's brigade from the ))oiiit of Levi. liie two brigades under 
ihe brigadiers Townshend and Murray, were ordered to be in readiness to pass 
the ford, wlieii it should be tlioughi necessary. To facilitate the passage of this 
corps, tlie admiral had placed the Centurion in the channel, so that she might 
check tilt' fire of the lower battery, which commanded the ford. 'I'his ship was 
of jireal use, as her fire was very juiliciously directed. A great quantity of 
artillery was placed upon the eminence, so as to baiter and enfilade the left of 
tlU'ii eiitreiichments. 

From the vessel wdiich ran aj»round, nearest in, 1 ob.served that the redoubt 
was too much commanded, to be kepi without very great loss, and the more, as 
the two armed Bhips could not lie brought near enough to cover both' with their 



ArPENDit; 455 

aitilleiy nnil musketry, which I nt first conceived ihey might. But as the enemy 
seemed in some coiiriiBion, find wc were prepared lor an ar.tinn, I tlionght it 
a proper time to make a»i attempt upon their entrenchments. Ordeva were senv 
1(1 the brig'idier generals, Tn be renrly with the cor]'3 under their command. 
Brigadier Monckton was to land, and the brigadiers Townshoni and T.lurray 
to p.ifs the ford 

At a proper lime of the tide, the si^^na! was madi;, but in rowing towards 
the •ihorc, (nany of the boats gronndcd upon a ledge tliat ruw^ off a considera- 
ble distance This accident put lis info some disorder, l.>sl a ij;reat deal of 
time, and obliged me lo send an officer to !<top brigadier Townslu lul's march, 
whom I then observed to he in motion. While '.he seamen were gttiing the 
boats off, the enemy fircil a nuniber of shells and shot, bnt did no considerable 
damage. As soon as this disorder could bo set a little to riu,lits, and the boat?; 
were rMn^ed in a proper manner, some of the officers of the navy went in with 
me, to find a better place lo land ; we took one fl;it bottomed boat with us tn 
make the eypcrinient, and as i^oon as v;p had founrl a fit part of the shore, the 
troops were urdc'-ed to flisembark, tliinking it not yet too late for the attempt. 

The thirteen companies of grenadiers, and tv.'o hnndred of the second royal 
American battalion, got first on shore. The grenadiers were ordered to form 
thetnselves into four tlis.tinct bodies, and to begin the attack, supportefl by bri- 
gadier Moiicktou's corps, as soon as the troops had passed the lord, and were 
at h?nd to assist. But whether from the noise and luirry at landing, or from 
some other cause, the grenadiers, instead of forming themselves as they were 
directed, ran on impetuously, towards the enemy's entrenchments in the utmost 
disorder and confusion, witnoiit waiting for the corps which were to sii.stain 
them, and join in the attack. Brigadier Monckton was not landed, and briga- 
dier Townshend was still at a considerable distance, though upon his march 
to join us in very g.eat order. The grenadiers were checked by the enemy's 
first fire, and obliged to shelter themselves in or about the redoubt which the 
French abandoned upon their approach. In this situation they continued for 
some time, unable to form under so hot a fire, and having many gallant officers 
wounded, who, (careless of their persons.) had beni folely intent upon their 
duty, I saw the absolute necessity of calling them off, that they might form 
theaiselves behind brigadier Monckton's corps, which was now landed, and 
drawn up on the beach, in extreme good order. 

By this now accident, and this second delay, it was near night; a sudden 
Storm came on, and the tide began to make ; so that I thought it most advisable 
not to persevere in so dilticult an attack, lest, (in case of a repulse,) the retreat 
«f brigadier Townshend's corps might be hazardous and uncertain. 

Our artillery had a great effect upon the enemy's left, where brigadiers 
Townshend and Murray were to h;ive nitacked ; and it is probable that if those 
accidents I have spoken of had not happened, wa should have penetrated there, 
whibt our left aiid centre (more remote from our artillery) must have borne 
all the violence of their musketry. 

The French did nut attempt to interrupt our march. Some of their savages 
came down lo murder such wounded as could not be brought off, and to acalp 
the dead, as thrir custom is. 

The place where the attack was intended, has these advantages over all 
others hereabout. Our artillery couhi be broii2;ht into use. The greater part, 
or even the whole of the troops, might art at once. And the. reheat (in case of 
repulse) was secure, at least for a certain time of the tide. Neither one or the 
other of these advantages can any where else bo found. The enemy were in- 
deed posted upon a commanding endnence. The beach, upon which the troops 
were drawn up, wag of deep mud, with holes, aiii! cut by several gullies. The. 
hill to be ascended very steep, and not every where practicable. The enemv" 
numerous in their intrenchments, and their firo hot. If the attack had ?ui.'- 
ceeded, our loss must certainly have been great, and theirs in';on:iderahle, from 
the shelter which the neiglibnuring woods afforded them. The river St. Chailes 
still remained to be passed, brfore t!io town was iovested. All these circcn:- 
stances I considered ; but the desire. to act in couforniity to the king's intentions, 



456 



APPENDIX. 



induced me to make this trial, persuaded ihat a victorious army fin'f n« diffi 
culties. 

The enemy have been foiti'ying ever since with care, so as to make a second 
attempt siill niore (iangerous. 

Imine'iiately after this chnrk, I sent brigadier ^!urray above the town with 
one thous^iKi two huivlierl men, directing him to assist tear adn-iral Holities in 
the destruction of the Frencu ships (,if they could be got at,) in oider to open a 
commuiiicatiiin with ^cneinl Ainhrrst. Tite brig.<die was to !>eek eveiy f;>v"iir- 
able opporiuiiily ol fighting -.ouie nf the enemy's det-ichineiits, picivided he rould 
do it ufian toleiable Ifi-ns, and to usk rill the InPan^ in his powrr t.) pi oviii<e 
theiii to attHik him. H« made two difFeit-iit atienipts to aiiM upon the mmh 
shore without hurcess; but in a third was Miore toituiiite. He landed unex- 
perteiily -<t De Chambfiijd, and bumt a magazine there, in which were some 
pr()visi<ms, some aininunitinn, and ail the spire stores, clothing, arms ami bag- 
gage of their army. Finding that their ships were not to be got at, and little 
jn'ospef t of bringing the enemy to a battle, he reported his situation to me, and 
I ordered him to jdin tht; urmy. 

Th" prisoners he took informed him of the surrender of the fort of Niagara; 
and we discovered, by intercepted letters, that the Fiiemy had abandoned Ca- 
rillon and C'rowri Point, weie retired to the Isle aiix Noix, and that general 
Amherst vv.is making pieparatinns to pass the Like Champlain, to fall upon M. 
d- Biiilemaqiie's corps which consist of three batvalions of foot, and as many 
Canadians as make the whole ambunt to three th usawd men. 

The aomir-il's despatc<'es and mim would have gone •'ight or ten day? souner, 
if I had not been prevented (rom writing by a fi'ver. I found mjseli so ill, .md 
am slilj so weak, that 1 beggerl the general officeis to consult tngediei loi the 
public Jtility. I'hey are all of opinion, thnt (a,- miie ships and provisions have 
now got above the town) they shouM try, by conveying up a coips of toui or 
live thousand men, which is nearly the whide strength of the amy, alter the 
points of Levi and Orleans are left in • proper state of defence,) to draw the 
enemy trom their present situation, and bung them to an action I have acqui- 
esced ill their proposal, and we are preparing to put it in exetotion 

The admiral an'i I have examined the town, with a view to a general assault; 
but, after consulting with the chief engineer, who is well acquainted with the 
interior parts of it, and, alter viewing it with the utmost atiention, we found, 
that tliough the batteries of the lower town might be eisdy silenced by the men 
of war, yet the business of an assault would be little aU'anced by that, since 
the lew passages that lead from the lower to the upper town, aie cavefuily in- 
trenched, and the upper batteries can^iot be affected by tht- ships, which must 
receive considerable damage from them and from the moitars. The ndniiial 
would readily join in this, oi in any other measure, lor the publir: service ; but • 
I could not propose to him an undertaking of so ilangerous a nature, and pro- 
mising so little success. 

To the strength of the countty. the enemy have add^d ^_tbr the defence of the 
river) a great numher of filiating b ttiries and boats. By the vigiliinc ol these, 
and the Indi ns round our different po-t^, it iias been impossible to execute any 
thing by surprise. VVe have had almost daily skirmishes with these savages; 
in winch they are generally deleated, but not v\ ithont loss on our side. 

By the list of disabled offiri-is (manv of whom are of lank) you may peiceive, 
sir, that the army is much weakened. By the nature of the liver, the most lor- 
midable part of this armament is dep'ivfd of the power of acting, yet we have 
almost the whole force ot Canada to oppose. Inthis situation, there is such a 
choice 1)1 difficulties, that I own myself at a loss how todeteimine. The aff.iirs 
of 'ueat Britain. I know, require the n.ost vigorous measures; but the courage 
of a handlul of brave men shonld be excited only where there is some hope 
of a favourable event. However, yon in.y be assured, sir, that the small part 
of the campaign which reniaips, sh.ill be iii:ployed , as far as I am able) tor 
the honour of his majesty, and the interest ol the nation, in wh cb I am sure 
of btiiig seconded by the iidmiral and bv the generals. Happy if our efforts 
hei" can contribute to the success of his ip^ je^ty s ;irms m any other parts of 
America. ■ I htiye the honour to m , iVr. 

JAMES WOLFE. 



APPENDIX. 45'/ 

N.— Page 375. 
Earl Cormvallis to Sir Henri/ Clinton, K. B. 

YorkToicn, Oclober^O, im. 
Sir : 

I have the mortification to inform your excellency, that I have been forced to 
give up the posts of York and Gioucener, aii'l to suirenrifr the troops under my 
c-oinmaml, hy capitulation, on the l9t!i instant, as prisoners of war, to the 
combine. 1 forces of America and France. 

I never saw this post in a very favourable light. But when I found I was to 
be attacked in it, in so unprepared a state, by so powerful an army and artil- 
lery, nothing but the hopes of relief would have induced me to -ittempt its de- 
fence ; for I would eitlier have endeavourcri to escape to New York by rapid 
marches from the Gloucester side, immediately on the ai rival of general VVash- 
iniiton's troops at VViliiamsburgh ; or I would, notwithstanding the disparity of 
nurnbt'rs, have attacked them in the open field, wh»re it might have been 
just possible that fortune would have favoured the gallantiy of the handful of 
troops under my command. But being assured by your excellency"? letters, that 
every possible means would be tried oy the navy and army to relieve us, I could 
rnt think myself at liberty to venture upon either of those desperate attempts. 
Therefore, aftor remaining for two days in a strong position, in front of this place, 
in hopes of being attacked, upon observing that the enemy were taking measuies 
w'lich could not fail of turning my left fl;mk in a short time, and receiving on 
the second evening your letter of tlie 24th of September, informing me that the 
relief would s;iil about the 5th of October, I withdrew within the works on the 
night of the 29th of September, hoping by the labour and firmness of the soU 
diers to protract the defence until you could arrive. Kvery tiling waste he ex^ 
pected from the spirit of the troops; hut every disadvantage attended their la- 
bour, as the work was to be cocitiiuied under the enemy's fire; and our stock 
of intrenching tools, which did not much exceed four hundred when be began to 
work in the latter end of Angufct, was now much diminished. 

The enemy broke ground on the night of the 30th, and constructed on that 
night and the two following days and nights two redoubts, which, with some 
works that had belonged to our outward position, occupied a gorge between 
two creeks or ravines, which came from the river on each side of the town On 
the night of the 6:h of October they maile their first parallel, extending from its 
right on the river to a deep ravine on the left, nearly opposite to the centre of 
t-is place, and embracing our whole left, at the distance of six hundred yards. 
Having perfected this parai'el, their batteries opened on the evening of the 9th 
ag.iinst our left; and other batteries fired at the same time against a redoubt 
over a creek upon our right, and defended by about one hundred and twenty 
men ^of the twenty tiiird regiment and marines), who maintained that post with 
untoininon gallantry. The Bre continued incessant from heavy cannon, and 
from mortars and howitzers, throwing shells from eight to sixteen inches, until 
all our guns on the left were silenced, our work much damaged, and our loss of 
men considerable. On the night of the 11th, tliey began their second parallel, 
about three hundred yards uearer to us The troops being much weakened by 
sickness, as well as by the fire of the besiegers, and observing that the enemy 
had not only secured their fl-inks, but proceeded in every respect with the ut-^iost 
regiUariiy and caution,! could not venture so large sorties, as to hope from them 
any considerable effect; but otherwise I did every thing in my power to inter- 
rupt their work, by opening new embrazures for guns, and keeping up a constant 
fire with all the howitzers and small mortars tliat we could man. On the even- 
ing of the 14th, they assaulted and carried two redoubts that had been advanc- 
ed about three hundred yards for the purpose of delaying their approaches and 
covering our lett flank, and included them in their second parallel, on which they 
continued to work with the utmost exertion. Being perfectly sensible that our 
works could not stand many hours after the opening of the batteries of that 
ft8 



^•^^ 1(^'**' APPENDIX, 



pniallcl, wc mil only coiitinue^i a constnnt ficc witli all our incntars, and every 
g;iii Uial cuulii bo broughl to bear upmi it, but a litlle bcluii; cKiy-bieak on the 
moriiiiia; ni ilie lOib, 1 ordoied a >•( rlie (jf abiuil time luuidrccJ and fifty men, 
under the rliieitioii ol li< iiteiiui.t cohnifl Abercioinbie, to attack tvvo balteiies 
will -li Mpppaiid ti) belli th.» greatest Jot warihiess, and to sjidie the guns. A de- 
tHciuiicnt of ifii.inl^, w.Lli liie eigiitietli coni[)aiiy of orciindieis, under the com- 
nia;!ii iif lii'iiicoiint ijolonel L.ike, Hit.iclied llie one ; and one of lii^ht infantry, 
und 'I tiie coinui.md ul niij n Ai ni^tiniij;, aitacked the other : and hoili feu< ceed- 
ed, by forcing ibe letluubib th.il ccvered Ihom, spikinu; eleven guns, and killing 
or vvoiiiidaiu alioiit one liundred of ilie t'lencb troops who had the guard ot that 
part of the irenrlies, and wilii little lobs on our side. The action, though ex- 
tremely honourable to ;he oHicei;; and soldiers who executed it, proved of little 
piiidic a<lv.int.igf ; for llie c.iniion having been spiiied in a hurry, were soon 
rendered fjt tor service again; :uid bi fore daik the whole parallel batteries 
appeared to be neaily conipleie. 

At this time we kiiew that there was no pari of the whole front attacker) ovr 
v^hich we could hhow a siiii;le gun, and our shells weie nearly expended, I 
theieJore ii.id only to choose between pieparing to sui render next day, or endea- 
vouring to gel olf with the tieatebt part of the tioops; and I determined to at- 
tempt the laiter. leflecting that, though it shoold prove unsueccsslul in its iin- 
niedicitc olijeci, ;l miu,hi, at least, delay the enemy in the pioserution of tariticr 
eiHerpiises. hixieeii large boats were prepaied, and, upon other ptetexts, were 
ordered l<i be in rc'a<*iiiess to leceive troops jirecisely at ten o'clock. VVi'li these 
I hoped to pass tlie inf.iiilry during th« night; abancioniiig our baggage, and 
leaving a (let.ulimei.t to capitulate lor the town's people, and the sick and 
wuuniiei*, on w nicii ; object a letter was ready to be delivered to general Wash- 
ington 

After making my arrangeiiieiits with the uttuosl secrecy, the light infantry, 
gre.iiest part of the guards, and pari of the twenty third regimeiit, landed at 
Gloucester; but at this critical ivoment, the vi'eather from being moderate and 
Cdlni, ch.inged to a violent storm ol wind und rain, and drove all the boats, 
some (if which had tioops on board, down the river. It was soon evident that 
the intended jiassnge was impracticable; and the absence of the boats rendered 
it equally impossible to bring back the troops that had passed, v.diich I had or- 
de ed about two in the morning. In this situation, with my littie force divided, 
the enemy's batteries opened at day-break. The passage between this place 
and liloocestei was much exposed ; but the boats having: nov/ returned, they 
were ordered to bring back the troops that had passed during the night, and 
they joined in the forenoon vilhotit much loss. Our works in the mean time 
Were going to ruin; tiiid not having been able to strengthen them by abnttis, 
nor in any other manner than by a slight friezing, which the enemy's artillery 
were demolishing whenever they fired, my ojiinion entiiely coincided with that 
ot the engineer and principal officers of the army, that they were in many pla- 
ce- assaihible in the Ibreiioon, and that by the continuance of the same fire for 
a few hours longi r, they would be in such a state as to render it desperate, 
■with our iiumberi, to attempt to maintain them. We at that lime could not fire 
a single gun; only one eight inch and a little more than one hundred Cohorn 
shells reniiiincd. A divei'sion by the Fretich ships of war, that lay at the mouth 
of York liver, was lo be expected. Our numbers had been diminished by tire 
enemy's fue, but paiiir.ula; ly by sickness; and the strength and spirits of those 
in the woiLt were much exb.iusted by the fatigue of constant watchiiii; and un- 
reiiiittiii^ duty. Un.ier h11 these chcuinstanres, 1 thought it would have been 
WMitoii and inhu-fuio to the last degree to sacrifice the lives of this small body 
of gallant sollars, wlui hi;d ever behaved with so much fidelity and courage, 
by exjiosii'g them to an assault, which, from the numbers and precaution of the 
enemy, could not f,(il to succeed. 1 therefore proposed to capitulate ; and I have 
ivie iioooitr to inchse to your excellency the copy ol the correspondence between 
general VV ashiagion and nie on that subject, and the terms of c&pitulation 
agreed upon. I sincerely lament that better could nor be obtained; but I have 
iicgl.-cted nothing in my powe.r to alleviate the misfortune and distress of both 
.ofUcers and soldiers. 



APPKNUIX. 459 

Tlifi men arc well rlotlie'l anri piovilc) with necpss.iries, nnri I trusi vvill be 
regularly f-Lip()ricr! liy the riui.ins ol the dlfircis tliiit aic jKjrinittucl tniTriiain with 
ihfim. The iicnimeiit, in Enicriil, tl'.nt \vp have rfc.'i\ccl from the enemy since 
oiii- surrender, hns been perfectly f;o()if and pjopcr. But tlu^ kisniiiess and iiiton- 
tinn tlibit have been shown lo us, by tlio French officers in particular — tln^irdcli- 
•rale sensibility o/ our siturttion, their f-eneriiiis iiii'! pressing ofl'er of money, 
botii public and priv;ite, to nny amount — lia»'i! reiilly g.Mio beyond what I CrUi 
jiossiblj' describe; nnd wdl, I hope, ninke an impression on Iriu broa^l of every 
officer, ^\lu•never the (fnunio of war should put itny of them into our power. 

Although the event Jihs been so unfcrtnnate, the |)ati('nce of the soirliers in 
bearing ttie greatest f^tiaiues, and their firmness and intrepidity under a per^c- 
\'ering fire of slioi and shells, that 1 believe has not often been exceeded, deserve 
the highest admir<itinn an.d praise. A successful delence, however, in our situa- 
tion, was, perh.ip?, icnpossdile; (or the ])l<Cf could only be lerkoued un intrench- 
ed camp, subject in most pUi-es to enfibide, mikI liie {jround in general so disad- 
vantageous, that nothing but the necessity of fortifying it as a post lo piotect 
the navy, could have induced any person to erect works upon it. Our foice 
diminished <)aily by sickness and other losses, and was icdured when we otTereff 
to C'.pitulate, on lliis side, lo little more than three thousand two hundred rank 
an I file fit lor duty, including rificers, sei vants and ariificers; and at Gloucester 
about "-ix hundred, including cavilrj'. The enemy's army consisted of upwHids 
of eiglit thousand French, nearly as many continentals, and five ihousand mili- 
tia. They brought an iinmrnse train ot heavy artillery, inostly amply furnished 
with ainniuniiion, and perfectly well manned. 

Tne ronstant and universal cheevfulness and spirit of the officers, in nil harrl- 
ships and dangers, deserve my wannest acknowlerigmeils ; and [ have been 
particularly indebted to brigadier general O'Hara ami lieutenant colonel Aber- 
rrombie, the lornier commanding on the right, and ihe latter on the left, (of 
their attention and exertion on every oc.c-asion. Tiie detachment of the twen- 
ty-thinl regin;ent, and of the marines, in the rcdoidjt on the right, commanded 
by captain Ajilborpe, and the subse(|uent ditachmcnis, cominiiiided by lieute- 
nant colonel Johnston, deserve particular commen iaiion. Cajiiain Koch/ort 
who commanded the artilleiy, and indeed every officer and soldier of that itis- 
tiiiguisiied corps, and lieutenant Sutherland, the cominundinn eiii^ineer, have 
merited in every respect my highest apptobalion : and I cannot siiiTicifMitiy ;ic- 
kiiowledge my obligations to captain bymonds, who commaiided his majesty's 
ships, and to the other officers and seamen of tlie navy, (or their active and 
zealous co-operation. 

I transmit retuins of our killed and wounded. The loss of seamen and 
town's f)eo[)le was likewise considerable. 

I trust your excellency will please to hasten the return of the I3onetta, after 
landing her p-tsseiigers, in compliance with the aiiicle ol ( apiuilation. 

Lieutenant ccdonel Abercrombie will have the hcnour to deliver ibis despatch 
and is well iiualificd to explain to your e.ic.elltiicy evciy parliculir rtlatin" to 
our past and present situation. 

I have the honour to be, &r, 

COPwWVALLlS. 



Alsca, 24th June, 18 13. 
Sir •- 

The letters which you did me the honour to write to me, with the copy of 
your .Memoirs of the war in the iouthern provinces of America, reached me at a 
time when the arrangements for my iininediaie embarkation left me nut a mo- 
ment to peruse the work. 

I had proposed to myself to begin the study of it as soon as wo should pnt to 
sea ; but a lurther delay occurred. The box containing the book was accident- 
ally placed in the hold, under such a quantity of other packages, as till latelv 
rendered it impracticable for me to retrieve it. 



460 



APPENDIX. 



I must undoubtedly fi'?l flattered by your piocedure in writing to me, as well 
ae by the tenor of your letters: and I be^ leave to retUiO tlianks lor your polite- 
ness One consideration alune, the conviction ol" your not ha\ing interiorly cr^» 
dited a particular statement, which you have pronuilgated on tlie faith of its cur- 
rency aiDong your party, could prevent my expressing astonishment, that you 
should profess any sort of estimation, or offer a cuinplimentaiy aitenUon towards 
a person represented in that narrative as capable ot an atrocious act. No gen- 
tler description would befit the measure, ascribed to me in that btatement, ol sa- 
crificing to any views of general policy, an individual not truly standing within 
the scope of capital punishment, or even of inflicting that punishment where 
justly incurred, if public duty did not exact the enforcement. 

It is the most disguftina of the circumstiinces attending civil war, that men, 
ho^^ing themselves aloof from its dangers, always endeu-.our b}' virulence and 
hardiliood of imputation against their adversuries, to disguise from themselves 
and others, the nothingliness of spirit which restrains them from taking efficient 
part in the conflict. The slanders thus raiM;d cannot be met. They acquire 
substance by uncontradicted circulation, as every successive propagator feels 
pledged to maintain the verity of the assertion. And when the contest is over, 
while the successful faction lias not either interest or inrlination , perhaps not the 
mains) to retraci the calumny the individuals of the subdued party are cau- 
tious not to entail on themselves outrage bj' controverting any charges which 
their victors may have pleased to fabricate. The misrepresentations thus be- 
come articles of political creerl : And the most generous mind will lie apt, uncoii- 
sci'usly, to satisfy it.^elf that it may remain exempt from the necessity of scruti- 
nizing a statement, when the const^quences of exposing its inaccuracy, would be 
to revolt popular prejudice, to incur the appearance of want of ardour in the 
general cause, and above all to overthrow some favouiite position of the person 
himself. Hence it is, as I think, that you have been led to receive implicitly a 
representation which with very little trouble you could have proved to be in- 
correct. 

I well know that your honourable disposition, judging from all 1 have heard 
of your character, would not deliberately advance so serious a charge as you 
have published against me, had you believed it to be erroneous. But to affix 
the braud of injustice in the execution of Isaac Hayiie, was a ground-work ne- 
cessary for your giving due credit to the gallint devotion wliich you state to have 
been displayed by the American ' tiiceis, in reference to tliat measure ; and you 
have heuce been betrayed into too easy a credence of the recital you were sure 
to receive from all of the party in Carolina, (your only inforniauts,) to which 
the unfortunate man belonged. 

The strange want of reflection with which yon must have listened to every 
Story palmed upon you, cannot be more strikinglj' exemplified than in the eoin- 
muiiictitions (rom the town mayor to the prisoner, whicli you have retailed. To 
have supposed the town mayor capable of informing the prisoner that be was to 
appear belbre a board o( general officers, you must have imagined a principal 
St. iff officer of ours ignoriuit of that which you, and every man in your army, 
an(i every otiier indiviiiual in the province, knew; namely, that we had not a 
single general officer in South Carolina. 

Admitting unteigiiedly that much of excuse, I still cannot but fee] extraordi- 
niry surprise, that when you entered into a long aigumeniative detail, (founded 
ou an assumption quite novel' to prove tiiat the conduct ol Hayiie ought not to 
have been treaterl as guilt, you avoided perceiving he could not be brought with- 
in your own hypothesis Were your position tenable, (which your better reflec- 
tion would hardly contend,) th it the inroad of a skulking party gives a manu- 
mission troni every tie of allegiance to the inhabitants of any rlistrict through 
whicli it passes, your advertence to period, m locality, and to particulars would 
have satisfieri you, that the treason ot Hayiie could not be so ei^tenuated ; and 
. I only wonder how the recollection could escape presenting itself in truth, you 
must have indistinctly surmised that there would be a djficully about the appli- 
cability of your principle, when you deemed it requisite to urge another vindica- 
tion; a vindication totally inconsistent with the former, because it acknow- 



APPENDIX. 401 

ledgeg the criminality which the other denies, and only labours lo lessen its de- 
gree. I ullu(^^ lo the situaiinn in which you suppose Hayiie to have been plac- 
ed by the proclamation ol' Sir Henry Clinton Not having an uppoctunity lo 
coniiult any copy of that proclaniaiiun, I can only say tliat 1 never had the im- 
pression of its bearing the sense you ascribe lo it, and that 1 have no remem- 
brance of its being so understood by others. Could, however, that proclamation 
have had the effect of annulling any of the conditions on the laith of which 
Charleston was surrendered, it would have st/niped indelible disgrace on him 
who issued it, and would have been deeply disreputable to the country which in 
that act he represented; but how vv •» it to bear on the case of liayne? Ttie 
part which he had to take, as a prisoner on parole under the capitul-jtion, was 
clear. He had only to repair to Chsileston, and surrender liimself, till the re- 
monstrance of congress could be exerted with Sir Henry Clinton, upon so gross 
an infraction of public faith. 

The non-existence of any such reclamation on the part of congress, whose 
view would not be restrictetl to tiie single case < f Hdyne, sufficiently rebuts the 
construction you put upon the pioclauiation. Still, supposing foi the sake of 
giving you the utmost advantage your assumptioti (if vilid; would claim, that 
tlif proclamation did so press upon the unhappy man, I repeat that the fit course 
foi him was to submit himself a prisoner If from any piivale considerations 
he pieterred the other alternative, he made his choire witli all the obligations 
insej.;irable from it, and bpoiiianeously rendeied himself liable to all tliij penal- 
ties attached (o a breHch of those obligations. I'he alighiesl inquiiy would have 
satisfied you, that all xvho exchanged the character of prisoiiei on parole under 
the capitulation, (or that of a lintisli sutiject, did so voluntarily in »)rder to en- 
joy the benefits of disponing of the produce ot iheir plantations, in a lucrative 
course of trade, not allowed to priscneis. And yvhen you represent Hayne a.s 
having plighted only a conditional fidelity, it is wonderful you should not have 
at once detected the iinj)osiiion ih.it was Mtlenipied upon you, by those who 
made such an assertion. Where was the Biitish officer to be found, who could 
have inducement, or disposiiioii, or competence, to allow of a limited oath of 
allegiance to his soveieign ! The tale cairied falsity on tlie very face ol it. 
Your penetration might, therefore, have been expected to see through the flimsy 
pietext, and to perceive, that this was an excuse which Hayne would naturally 
liiake to his former eoimades, to mitigate the reproach attached by iheni to his 
having taken the oath of allegiance, and to Miften the unfavourable construc- 
tion which he nuisl imagine would, even in their opinions, attend his perfidy un- 
der so solemn a compact. But your cause would gain iriiihing were this ob- 
servation nr.i irrefragable. Were the possibility admitted of his having estab- 
lished the stipulation to which you allude, it would not alter his criminality. 
When summoned to bear arms, (if he ever were so,) he would have to say that 
he had made a comlition, that he abided by the reservation, and that he was 
prepared to meet any consequence of adhering to it If, instead of that course 
he chose to enter into secret negotiation with the enemy, he did it knowingly un- 
der all the peril connected with ttie act. Nay. had he at once br<ikeu his en- 
gagement, and lepaireri to general Greene's army, though it would have been 
treason, it would not have been treason of so deep and complicated a dye, as 
that 111 which he involved himself. 

Before 1 proceed further on this head, it is expcdiont that a material point 
should be cleared up to you. You mistake entirely in supposing that trie pro- 
vince of South Carolina was under my command. Lieutenant colonel Balfour 
was my senior in the army list; and my provincial rank of colonel, held for 
the purpose of connection with the regiment raised by me, did not alter that 
relation, as the colonels on the provincial establishment were subordinate to 
the youngest lieutenant colonels of the line. Sir Henry Clinton, in order to 
give me the management of affairs in .South Carolina, subsequemly promoted me, 
as a brigadier of provincials ; but we had no intimation ol tins till the commission 
arrived, after I had actually embarked for England: Lieutenant colonel Balfour 
would, therefore, at all events have commanrUd me A still more particular 
limitation of my powers existed. Lord Cornwallis, on entrusting me wilb the nia- 



46§1 APPENDIX. 

nagenieiit of tliR troops on the frontier, had specitinnlly allotted the whole track 
within the S;intee, Coiignree, and Saluda rivers, to lieutcuaiit colonel Balfour, 
as cominandrtnl of Chnrlcston. Cam:len had always been rejirobated by me as 
a station; not merely fr.mi the extraordinary disadvantaji;f!s which attended it, 
as an individual position ; hut from its bring (ii the wrong siile of the riviT and 
covering nothing; while it was const. mtly liable to have its conimuniciition 
with the interior district cut otf. Lord Corriwallis did not consider how niui'h 
he auainented this o'ojertion, often urged by me to him, by an arrnnL^ement 
whence I was debarred from any interference with the district, from which alone 
1 could be fed, the country in front of Camden, as well as that between tiie 
Wateree and Broad livprs being so wasted, as to afford nothing b?yond preca- 
rious and incirlental supplies Fixed at Camden, with >-cvpn hundred men 
(lieutenant colonel Watson's corpx never liaving formed pari of my garrison, 
iiud the residue of the force with which I encountere i general (irecue, having 
loi'n introduced by me into Canulcn tliree days afiur he sat down before it,) 
I was completely dependant on lieutenant colonel Balfour for subsistence, for 
military stores, for luorses, for arms, and for those reinforcements which were 
indispensable from the expenditure of n.eti, in the unceasing activity ol cui ser- 
vice. \^'itl) his posts at ?ilotte's house, Coiigarees, and Ninety-Six, I had no 
concern, furtlicr than tlieir occasional danger obliged me to niiike movements 
for their protwclion ; an assistance, wliich I had peculiar dilficulty in rendering 
to t'ic t" o former, from the works having unaccountably been so placed as not 
to command the icrries, through which bluniier succours could not he thrown 
across the river to the gi-arisons when invested by an enemy. Hence it liap- 
iieued that, on the abandonment of Camden in the hope of saving those posts, 
and protecting the interior country, 1 was forced to pass the Sautee by llie <ii- 
cuitous route of Nelson's ferry. From this delay arose the circumstance, that 
on the day after my crossing the river, 1 received the account of the fall of the 
two redoubts, pompously dcnondnatcd Fort Mott and Fort Granby. The event, 
by throv/mg into your hau'ls the only magazines of provision in the country, 
wtteriv incapacitated me from advancing: For, destitute of cavalry to lace 
yours!! ] must have been unable to plean daily food for my trooj)S; and could 
not think so lightly of the talent* of general Gir.ene, as to indulge the visionaiy 
expectation that he would put his fortune to the hazard of a battle, when he 
miaht reduce me to the extreme of distress by a policy unattended with risk to 

himself. 

Tliese iiarticulars are not stated so much for the ))urpose of conveying a ny 
information, which will he interesting to you in explaining mucli of the f.am- 
paign, as to shew, that I imd not in the inierior district, any immediate inlcrest, 
or any course oi n.anagement, the interruption of which could excite in me ii- 
rltation against Ilayne, or indeed call my attention to his crime. And you well 
know the're was not any peevish acrimony in our warfare. In fact, 1 never 
heard of the insurrection which he in>tigaled, till its suppression was communi- 
cated to me by lieuten^int colonel JlHllnur. 

The w!iy J came to have any part in tlie affair was this. When Lord Corn- 
wallis suddenly mnrchcd into North Carolina, lie wrote to me, (then through ac- 
cidental circumstances at Camden,) to assign to me the very unexpected char;.e 
ol maintaining tliat post, and the irontier beyond the rivers. In the same 
letter he entreated me, as a proof of friendship to himself, thi»t 1 woulH act 
cordially with lieutenant colonel lialfour, between whcnn and me Ids lordship 
knew there had been some estrangement. In answer, I assured him, thai lie 
vni-'ht depend on my giving to lieutenant colonel lialfour in every particular, 
the most zealous support. 

Shortly after we had withdrawn from Ninety-Six and the upper country, 
lientrnant colonel Balfour wrote to apprise me, that an insuirecti -n had taken 
place in the rear of my army, hut had luckily been cruslied. lie stated tlie im- 
perious neces-^ity if rt'pres-^in;? the disposition to similar acts of trea' hcry, by 
»nakiiin-cin ( xaniple ol the individual wno had planned, as well as headed the 
revolt,^and who had fallen into lieutenant colonel Balfour's hands. He sidi- 
cited my concurrence (absolutely ineffective in any other point of view, in a dis- 



APPENDIX. 463 

trici wiiere I was wholly uiulef liis coiUrori that it nii;;lit voucli to Sir Henry 
CliiUOM, with whom lie was on ill teiinf, for the public policy of tlio measure. 
On the justice of it, ilieic w^is not then a conception, tliat in possibility u ques- 
lidii couki he raised. I rcplit:<l ih:it tlieie could be no doubt iis to the necessity 
lor nialiiii" the example, to whicii I wouKt readily i^ive the sanction of my name. 
Collateral circumt'tances were then unknown to me. Immediately on my arri- 
val at Charleston, application was made to me by a number of ladies, (princi- 
pally ol your party) tosa\e H^iyiie from the impending infliction. Ignorant of 
the complicated natuie and exttiitof the crime, I incauti.ju&ly promised to use 
my endeavouis towaids inducing; lieutenant colonel Balfour to lenity. A peti- 
timi to be si^nefl by the ladies, was drawn up as a siep gratifying to me, by 
one of the ofiiceis of llie staff, (I l)clieve by major Barry, the dei)nty adjutant 
general) to serve as a basis (or my addiess to the comnuiudant- When I oj)ene(J 
the [natter to him he apiieared much astcniished ; detailed to me circumstances 
of the case with which 1 had been completely unacc]uaintcd ; requesting me to 
intorin myself mote mimitely upon them ; and earnestly begged me to ponder on 
the effect, which forbearance from visiting such an offence with due punishment, 
(sure to be ascribed to timidity) must unavoidably produce on the nnnds of the 
inhabitants. It was a grievous error in me that I did not at once yield to the 
reasoning, and to the conviction which it could not but impress, instead of still 
attemplins to realize the hope, which I had suffererl the ladies so loosely to en- 
tertain. I nnluckily persevfied in the efi'int toieconcile a pardon with some ap- 
pearance of niopiiety. At this time 1 saw a ladv connected with Ilayne: 1 sup- 
pose it must have been the iVlrs Perrnneau mentioned by.you. I frankly told her 
what had passed betvveeii uic ami lieuienant colonel Ballour, stating the etnba.- 
lassment in which I found myscdf, from the »'normity of the transgression, and 
the objections too justly urgt:d, but adding, that, unless there should be inter- 
vention from general Greene, I would still try il the difficulty could be surmount- 
ed. This point, I niulerstand, was most piofligately wrested, as if lieutenant 
colonel Ball'our ainJ I h-id held lorth a soit ot implied condition to the unloitn- 
iiate man, that he fhouKi be spared it general Gieene did not interfere ; and that 
the latter was thence withheld from exertions which might have been eflectual. 
Lieutenant colonel Balfour was never privy to the conversation botvveen Airs. 
Perroneau and me; nor could it in any Case have been imagined possible, that 
such a coinniunication should reach general Greene, when the attempt at any 
coirespondence with him would have been a capital offence. It was simply an 
expression of my fears, that a circumstani;e might occur which would at ciice 
destroy all chance of my being useful. Any interposition on the part of general 
Greene must have been in irritating terms, and would infallibly have precluded 
an exc:use which I hoped to obtain, and which would aiTord a decent pretence 
for a lenity, felt by ine to be liable to great and well founded censure. As a 
mode of gaining lime, I had solicited lieutenant colonel Balfour to have the par- 
ticulars of the case ascertained by a court of inquiry for my satisfaction, alle^iii^'- 
the chance, (lhou2;h I could not really believe the existence of any such) that 
circumstances might have been distorted by the animosity of Ha vne's neighbours. 
This step, although u court of iiKjniiy was tile same form of investiTntion as had 
been used in tlie case of rnajin- Andre, was an indiscretion on my part; because 
it afforded a colour for perversion, by seeming to imply that there mln-Jit be a 
doubt as to the amount of guilt: whereas, by all the recognized laws of war 
nothing was requisite in the case of llayne, but to identify his person prerions to 
hangin.^ him on the next tree. Before that court (the proceedinga of which were 
unavoidably throvv'n overboard with my other pajiers, when I was taken by the 
French at sea,) he produced documents to establish his claim of being treated as 
an American oflicer, but which only more distinctly substantiated his criminal 
correspondence with the enemy. So that the case, had it admitted of aggrava- 
tion, wouli have been made worse by the result of that iiuiuivy. He was, from 
his correspondence with the enemy while within our ports, a spy in the strictest 
sense of the word : and to that guilt was added the further crime of his having 
debauched a poition of our enrolled railitia, at the head of which he menaced 
'.vith death aU persons of the vicinage, who would not join liim in arms against 



484 



APPENDIX. 



\is, and actually davastated the property of those wlio fled from participation in 
the revolt. Such were the difficulties of tlie task in whicivl had impropeily en- 
lanJ^ied niysel). [ notwithstanding persevered Mr. Alexander VViight auil Mr. 
Po'.vell. (I think his Christain narne was iMiarles) in compliance with niy wishes, 
unriertooli to tiy whether a petition f r pardon to Hciyne luight nfit be procured 
from a respectable nuinher ofloyalists : thougli they gave me little encouragement 
to hope success-, from even thf-ir known and ja,--t influence with that body. They 
first applied to lieutenant governor Bull, who consented to iign the pi'tition, pro- 
vided the attorney general, sir Egerton Leigh, would do So '['lie answer of wir 
Egerton Leigh was, thai he would burn his hand off rather than do an act so in- 
jur inus to the kin^''s seri^tce. Lieutenant governor Bull's conditional proniise of 
coarse fell to the ground, though he sub-^eqneiitly, from some dupery praitised 
upon his age, joined his name with those of cei tain of your most active and avow- 
ed partisans : and not one loyalist of repute could be persuaded to put his name 
to the petition. There then remained no possible excuse for a remission of the 
punishment; under which circumstances, it woiiM have been baseni-Ss in ate to- 
wards lieutenant colonel Baliour, and a forfeiture of my plighted assurance fo 
lord Cornwallis, bad I withheld my name from the measure, when, after what 
had passed, I could but be conscious it was deeply necessary for the public 
tervice. 

The enterprise which Haynn had planned and achieved when he was inter- 
cepted and taken, had an objact of singular mnlignity. I allude to the seizure 
of Mr. Williamson; and the insulting triumph with which Mr. Williams(m was 
told, that the [)nrpose in capiurina him, was to have been hanged in the camp of 
general Greene, had naturally roused the iiidifrnation of all the friends of the 
British government. Mr. Wiliiamson, as you know, had bern a brigadier gene- 
ral of tlio American militia at the time of our invading South Carolina. When 
the rest of the province submitted, Mr. W'iHian>son also adopted that line. He 
had not taken up arms against you, nor w,is he intermeddling in politics, but 
quietly residing in the neighbourhood of Charleston. The attempt, therefore, 
to carry him off, and to exhibit in his person, a proof that even mere submission 
to our rule should entail the utmost severity of infliction, caused great ferment 
in the minrls of the loyalists. This was extraordinarily augmented by a dread- 
ful impolicy on the part of the ui. fortunate pri'-oner. The number of indivi- 
duals professedly of your party, to whom the capitulation had given the right of 
remaining in Charleston, afforded to Hayne a communication most mischievoni 
for him. For those persons, intoxicated by an apparent change of tide in their 
favour, not only themselves held the language that the British government would 
not dare to execute Hayne, but misled the unhappy nian to use the same tone 
of defiance to the loyalists. To have been swayed by their resentment would 
have been unworthy: but they had a claim very distinct from that of passion, 
to a consideration of their opinions, from those entrusted with the conduct of 
the general concern When their fortunes and their lives were risked in the 
cause of Britain, they had a right to demand that the joint stake should be so 
managed, as to give to them theii fair chance for success in the contest: and it 
was obvious, that if in an hour when the highest peril was to be encountered by 
those who remained faithful, no te, rors were to impend over a breach of the sacred 
ties by which they wore individually bound to each other and to government, a 
premium vvould in fact be behl forth to treachery, and the dirsolution of the com- 
mon interest would be inevitable. If we were to maintain a claim on their 
fidelity, it could only he by showing a just sensibility for their welfare. 

You prove yoarself perfectly aware of the nature of the period, and of the 
urgent pressure under which we laboured, when you mention the expectation 
you were authorized to entertain, that a French army would land in the south- 
ern provinces. We had received from the secretary at state, an intim.ition 
which led us to believe, that BeauTort was its probable destination Adver- 
tence to this contingency, and the necessity of making provision against the 
event, had materially influenced the conduct of the campaign. It Was the rea- 
son why, when I uHde-.todk the relief of Ninety-Six. I was furnished with t)ut 
tearely seventeen hundred men. Even of that force, a principal proportion wa« 



APPENDIX. 46.^ 

composed of Hessians, or of troops just landed from Ireland, ^<. ttle suited 
bca; I he rapirlity of march which our circunistiuices exacted, th.. we left nui.. 
bcrs of iheiB (very many dead from the heat,) along the road. The crisis may 
be estimated by my being obliged to risk such an enterprize with a strength, <j!i 
any ordinary calculation, so inadequate to the object. In this exigency, ■ 
fouiici ourselves surrounded by defection and treachery on all sides. The per 
dy !iad gone so far, that soon after my crossing the S^intee, I had to commui 
catp to lieutenant colonel Balfour the necfissity for his immediately disarming 
portion of his town militia, designated by me; as I knew from information not qu 
tiouable, that they were in correspondence with general Greene, and had < 
gaged to seize the gates for him, if he could slip by me, and present himself si 
denly before Charleston. In such extremitieb, those adininisteiiiig the inter 
of their country (if they were not to bow their heads to the defection, and abjec 
sacrifice the important trust reposed in them) had no option but to exert agai 
the mischief, that strenuous resistance which their duty required, and the pui 
justice authorized. 

Such, sir, are the real features of a case, which you hold forth in unfavo 
able contrast with the tenderness of sentiment displayed in the proreedii ,,., 
against major Andre ! It is not my wish to enter into a fliscussion of the latter 
case : and it would be most unfair to doubt tlie dispositions of general Wash- 
ington, or the irresistible pressure which rendered them abortive Yet thus far 
( must remak. Had there been so much solicitude to save that unfortnnntc- 
offii'er as you represent, this ostensible plea might have been advanced for hi i . 
That his entering in disguise within your fortress, was by the direction and ^■ 
the invitation of your officer commanding there. For the guilt of Hayne no iha- 
dow of palliation could be found The story of remonstrance from the Bri'.isb 
officers to lieutenant colonel Balfour shows how lamentably you were deceiied 
in every respect by the fabrications in the province. That recurrence of the 
British officers to the commandant, ^'as for the purpose of urging him to secure 
objects for retaliation, in case of general Greene''s carrying into effect his out- 
rageous threat. They needed not to have given themselves the trouble ; and, 
though I have no disposition to depreciate the spirit which dictated it, the p'^ ' 
fered demotion of your American officers, was equally sunerfluous. Gem , 
Greene sagaciously comprehended that it was necessary to counteract the .... 
pression which the executifin of Hayne was calculated to produce. Hen^e it 
was his policy to declaim against it as an undue infliction, the repetiticir of 
which in any simitar case, should be prevented by retaliation. But he was 
too wise not to know, that the matter would not bear scrutiny, and that it miisi 
not for his ends be driven to minuter question. 

Having mentioned retaliation, let me say, that lieutenant colonel Baj. 
and I had severally, direct orders from lord Cornwallis to check by retalic;i. 
the merciless severity with which your civil governments treated the loytii 
who fell into tiieir power. With numbers in our hands justly amenable t" 
gour, each of us had taken it upon himself to dispense witl) that injuncti 
not from any doubt of its equity, but from a fear that our obedience would o , 
extend <he calamity, and from a hope, that the difference of our proceduri; 
would be the best corrective of the iiiiuimanity. So far were the British ofli^ers 
froiii having such feeling, as the fallacious representations practised upon you Maye 
led you to suppose, that I had been informed by particular fiiends, of thi' ex- 
traordinary dissatisfaction testified by those officers, at the seeming hesitation 
respecting the fate of Hayne. They viewed it as a feebleness, and a dishonest 
desertion of the interests, , which our arrny was bound to uphold. This senti- 
ment was so strong, that at a dinner which lieutenant colonel Balfour gave to the 
staff and piincipal officers on the eve of my embarkation, I thought mysc-l/ 
bound in justice towards the commandant, to address the company, to confoos 
that the apparent demur was imputable to me alone, to own that I had sought 
to find grounds to excuse a remission of the punishment, and to admit law ' 
had been wrong in the enrieavo>ir. The acknowledgment was conscienti-, 
and at no period since, has my reflection n)ade me regard myself as other ■ 
than culpable, in not having at once given the just weight to the consid'.ta- 
tions, which so imperiously called for the example. 
53 



46S 



APPEXDIX. 



That the'punisl M . , tie nia)r appear an unnecessary severity, you state, 

tliat at this juiiciure the Biiiish cause was evidently lost in America. The 
opinion ol' an enemy. espCinlly of an enemy so zealous and energetic as you 
would be no very ralioiiiil vuide for an ofiicer's conduct. There was not at 
that period any reasoti toi oii entertaining siirh a notion ; nor would duty have 
allowed a relaxation of ilie exertions which the trust demanded, upon any per- 
sonal conceptions of tiie s;irt. No apprehension existed of innbiiity to cope 
With your joint force, sl\oiild the French land in South Carolina, though the 
uecvssiiy of keeping ihe British troops in a position to be readily collected into 
One body, gave you (or the time apparent advantages. Your circumstances were 
still critical. The situation must not be argued from subserjuent occurrences, 
jioL then within the foresight of any one ; and there were measures which would 
Ht once have altered the relative condition ol ?ifffiirs. Had lord CornMallis, 
with his army refreshed, re-e<]uipi>ed, ami reinforced, originally niarchei) from 
Wilinuigton to the upper country of North Carolina, the step must have been 
tiecisive against you. hs con.-c<iuenc s were so clear, that, ignorant of the un- 
controiMble olisiacles, which doubtless must have existed to forbid his loidship's 
pursuing tiiat pujicy, we every day expi^ctfd to hear of his being in Hillsborough. 
If, leaving V'irguiia occupied in self-ilefence ag.nnst su(>h a portion of troDps as 
he migiil think proper to allot for the purpose, he had pioceeded to raise and or- 
ganize tlie loyalists of JVoith Carolina in your rear, cutting otF all your supplies 
and reinfoicenieiiis fi om the northwaid, it appeared to us that the destruction of 
geneial Greene's army was almost iiievitiible. We were sufficiently on the 
watch to prevent a junction between yon anrl any French Ibrce that might be 
landed at Beaulord: And. for the ends of ci)-operatiori, instructions trgm lord 
Cornwallis would undoubtedly have caiiserl the field -army in South Carolina 
to bfc put on a footing o( efficiency, which it di(f not possess during my ser- 
vice. Fortunate it would have been had this movement, so confidently reck- 
oned upon by us, tak^n place While it must have so sericnsly affected gene- 
ral Greene's army, it would have removerl lord Cornwallis from a position, 
where he was an object tor the concentration of force by the AmericaiH and 
French, and it would of course have pre'iu<led that fatal operation. The 
wisdom of Providence decreed otherwise; and the judgment of lord Cornwal- 
lis wa.^ not left unfettered. 

This letter has run into inordinate length ; though you will readily un- 
derstand that I have forborne to dilate on many points connected with the 
subject. Its prolixity has arisen from the wish to fnrnisti you with full 
means of forming a sure judgment on the case. Be assured that 1 have not 
a suspicion of your having given any colour to your narrative, but what 
you really believed to be the true one Alter ^he promulgation of so in- 
vidious a charge against me, I know not how it can be in your power to 
make me any repuration : But of this I will remain per.suaded; that i-f my 
statement shnll le-id you to a conviction of your having done me injustice, 
you will sincerely regret the facility, with which you credited representa- 
tions, so likely to be warped by the interests and the passions of those from 
whom you received them. 

I have the honour, sir, to be your most obedient humble servant, 

MOIRA-. 
Major General Hkniiy Lee, 



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